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.

What you'd actually do

• Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
• Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
• Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
• Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
• Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
• Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 1.1% of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

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• Machinists
• Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders

Quick questions

How much does a water and wastewater treatment plant and system operator make?

The median pay is $28.86 per hour — roughly $60,000 a year, with the real range running from about $18.80/hr (10th percentile) to $43.78/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a water and wastewater treatment plant and system operator?

The typical entry-level education is: High school diploma. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a water and wastewater treatment plant and system operator actually do all day?

Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids. Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards. Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.