Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators and Technicians

Salaries of wastewater treatment plant operators and technicians vary depending on factors such as the size of the plant, the workers' job responsibilities, and their level of certification. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, water and wastewater treatment plant operators earned median annual salaries of $47,760 in May 2019. The lowest paid 10 percent earned $28,850 or less, while the highest paid 10 percent earned $77,600 or more a year. Plant operators who worked in local government earned a mean salary of $50,810.

In addition to their pay, most operators and technicians receive benefits such as life and health insurance, a pension plan, and reimbursement for education and training related to their job.