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 Operator
Water Treatment Plant Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key 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
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $37,870. 25th percentile: U.S. $47,020. 50th percentile: U.S. $58,260. 75th percentile: U.S. $71,280. 90th percentile: U.S. $86,160. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
