Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design.
SOC: 17-2051.02
Common Job Titles
Consulting Engineer
County Engineer
Engineer
Project Development Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeDesign water distribution and wastewater collection systems using hydraulic modeling software and CAD tools, ensuring regulatory compliance and system performance.
Advanced
KnowledgeDevelop flood prevention and stormwater management strategies by integrating hydrologic modeling, GIS analysis, and site-specific constraints.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize environmental documentation and technical reports for water resource projects, communicating findings to regulatory agencies and stakeholders.
Advanced
KnowledgeEvaluate hydraulic system performance and compliance with environmental standards by analyzing field data and modeling outputs to determine conformance with regulatory requirements.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze water quality data, flow rates, and system capacity using statistical methods and engineering software to solve complex infrastructure problems.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply engineering principles and mathematical calculations to design pipeline systems, pump stations, and treatment facilities.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate client needs with regulatory requirements and sustainability principles when consulting with municipalities, developers, and interdisciplinary project teams.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for sustainable water management practices and public health protection during stakeholder negotiations and public presentations.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate hydraulic modeling software and GIS platforms, including HEC-RAS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and ESRI ArcGIS for system design and analysis.
Proficient
KnowledgeCoordinate multidisciplinary project teams and construction activities by managing schedules, budgets, and technical specifications across water infrastructure projects.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess existing water and wastewater infrastructure for capacity and condition by conducting field inspections and data analysis to prioritize rehabilitation needs.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Water/Wastewater Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
355,410
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $65,920. 25th percentile: U.S. $78,790. 50th percentile: U.S. $99,590. 75th percentile: U.S. $128,290. 90th percentile: U.S. $160,990. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$65,920
10% of workers earn the following or more
$160,990
Workers on average earn
$107,050
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Engineering and Technology4.7/5
Design4.5/5
English Language4.2/5
Mathematics4.2/5
Building and Construction3.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
