Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
SOC: 51-8031.00
Common Job Titles
Process Operator (Process Op)Wastewater Operator (WW Operator)Water Plant OperatorWater Treatment Plant Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate water and wastewater quality data against regulatory standards using chemical, biological, and physical testing equipment in treatment plant laboratories.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate public health and environmental safety principles when making operational decisions and responding to community concerns about water quality.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate SCADA systems and control boards to manage entire treatment processes and adjust system parameters in real-time.Developing
- KnowledgeAnalyze process monitoring data from chemical analyzers and sensors to detect deviations and optimize treatment efficiency under varying flow conditions.Developing
- Hands-onPerform preventive maintenance and repairs on pumps, aerators, and filtration equipment following mechanical and safety protocols to minimize system downtime.Developing
- KnowledgeDistinguish abnormal process conditions from normal operational variations through continuous monitoring of chemical, biological, and mechanical parameters.Developing
- KnowledgeApply knowledge of chemistry, biology, and hydraulics to troubleshoot treatment process failures and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.Developing
- Hands-onCalibrate analytical instruments including pH meters, chlorine analyzers, and turbidimeters according to manufacturer specifications and quality control procedures.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret laboratory test results and operational data to communicate treatment process status to supervisors, regulatory agencies, and interdisciplinary teams.Developing
- KnowledgeSolve complex operational problems involving chemical dosing, flow management, and treatment efficiency under time pressure during emergency situations and system upsets.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
126,750
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $37,870 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $86,160 |
| Workers on average earn | $60,620 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Chemistry4.0/5
- Biology3.9/5
- Mechanical3.9/5
- Mathematics3.6/5
- Public Safety and Security3.5/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word
Technology Skills
Compliance softwareData logging softwareDatabase softwareGeographic information system GIS systemsHuman machine interface HMI softwareMaterial safety data sheet MSDS softwareOperating system softwareOperational Data Store ODS software
Tools & Equipment
Absorption equipmentAeration compressorsAeratorsAerobic digestersAgitatorsAir monitoring equipmentAir strippersAmmoniators