Career profile · 51-8031
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 the work can involve
- Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
- Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
- Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
- Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
- Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
- Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
Selected core tasks from O*NET 31.0. Responsibilities vary by employer, specialization and experience.
Preparation and entry routes
This broad O*NET group commonly involves some prior preparation and on-the-job learning. Check the specific employer, occupational credential and state requirements.
Check the route for the specific occupation where you plan to work. Education, employer experience requirements, occupational licensing and industry certification can be separate steps.
Understand the different credentials →Skills used in this occupation
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Knowledge to build
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Administration and Management
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Common work activities
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Processing Information
Selected from the highest importance ratings available in O*NET 31.0. These describe the occupation, not a particular school's curriculum.
Training subjects to investigate
The federal education-to-occupation crosswalk connects this role to the subjects below. These links do not endorse a school or guarantee that any particular award qualifies a graduate for the job.
Working conditions to consider
These are the most common published responses to selected O*NET work-setting questions. They describe occupation-level survey findings, not every employer or a particular job.
| Work-setting question | Most common response | Share giving that response |
|---|---|---|
| Contact With Others | Contact with others most of the time | 45.8%08/2025 · sample 24 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | Every day | 50.0%08/2025 · sample 24 |
| Exposed to Disease or Infections | Every day | 41.7%08/2025 · sample 24 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | Every day | 47.8%08/2025 · sample 23 |
| Spend Time Sitting | Less than half the time | 54.2%08/2025 · sample 24 |
| Spend Time Standing | About half the time | 54.2%08/2025 · sample 24 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | More than half the time | 33.3%08/2025 · sample 24 |
| Time Pressure | Once a week or more but not every day | 37.5%08/2025 · sample 24 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | Every day | 66.7%08/2025 · sample 24 |
| Work Schedules | Regular (established routine, set schedule) | 56.5%08/2025 · sample 23 |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, selected topics. Only unsuppressed source responses with sample size at least 10 are shown. A most-common response need not be a majority. Sampling uncertainty applies; source dates vary. Ask employers about actual schedules, accessibility, protective equipment and working conditions.
Software used in the workplace
Use these O*NET examples to ask how a course builds practical digital skills. They are workplace examples, not a required shopping list or confirmation of a school’s curriculum.
- Compliance software: Material safety data sheet MSDS software
- Data base user interface and query software: Data logging software, Database software, Operational Data Store ODS software
- Document management software: Records management software
- Electronic mail software: Microsoft Outlook
- Geographic information system: Geographic information system GIS systems
- Industrial control software: Human machine interface HMI software, Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software, Wastewater expert control systems
- Office suite software: Microsoft Office software
- Presentation software: Microsoft PowerPoint
- Spreadsheet software: Microsoft Excel
- Time accounting software: Timekeeping software
- Word processing software: Microsoft Word
Selected categories and examples from O*NET 31.0 Software Skills. Products and employer requirements change. These examples are not endorsements; check the complete official occupation profile.
Physical demands and schedule evidence
BLS surveyed jobs in the broader occupation Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators (SOC 51-8031). These preliminary 2025 estimates describe work requirements across surveyed employers. Individual workplaces, adjustments and duties differ.
Explore 38 occupational requirement estimates
| Requirement | Share of workers | Standard error |
|---|---|---|
| Workers that had work schedule variability required This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 92.7% | 4.8 percentage points |
| Workers that had the ability to pause work This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 88.9% | 6.7 percentage points |
| Workers that had the ability to telework Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were not exposed to extreme cold Estimate is greater than 99.5 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >99.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, seldom Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme cold Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were not exposed to extreme heat Estimate is greater than 99.5 percent. This estimate is the mode for the category group. | >99.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, seldom Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, occasionally Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to extreme heat Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to quiet noise Estimate is less than 10 percent. | <10% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to moderate noise This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 92.0% | 6.6 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to very loud noise Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that used personal protective equipment to mitigate exposure to noise | 22.0% | 12.5 percentage points |
| Workers that were not exposed to outdoors | 17.4% | 11.8 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, seldom Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, frequently | 13.0% | 6.9 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors, constantly | 7.5% | 4.9 percentage points |
| Workers that were exposed to outdoors | 82.6% | 11.8 percentage points |
| Workers that were allowed the choice of sitting or standing | 17.3% | 11.1 percentage points |
| Workers that were not allowed the choice of sitting or standing This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 82.7% | 11.1 percentage points |
| Workers that required driving This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 75.7% | 13.6 percentage points |
| Workers that could choose to crawl when in low postures Estimate is less than 5 percent. | <5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, frequently Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead, constantly Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead with one hand Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required reaching overhead with both hands This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 84.5% | 9.7 percentage points |
| Workers that required reaching overhead | 84.5% | 9.7 percentage points |
| Workers that required a sedentary strength level Estimate is less than 10 percent. | <10% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required a light strength level | 6.8% | 3.8 percentage points |
| Workers that required a medium strength level This estimate is the mode for the category group. | 84.5% | 9.1 percentage points |
| Workers that required a heavy strength level Estimate is less than 15 percent. | <15% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
| Workers that required a very heavy strength level Estimate is less than 0.5 percent. | <0.5% | Not published The standard error is not available for this estimate. |
Use this evidence to ask about the actual work environment and available accommodations. It is not a medical assessment or a reason to rule yourself out of an occupation.
BLS Occupational Requirements Survey, preliminary 2025, released January 16, 2026; samples collected August 2023–July 2025. Source bounds such as “less than” are preserved. Categories are not necessarily additive. Understanding standard errors.
Pay & employment outlook
Salary estimates for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
The median divides workers into two equally sized groups by pay. It is not a starting salary, a school’s graduate outcome or a promise of employment. Lower percentiles are not automatically new graduates.
National outlook: 2025–2035
- Typical education for entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Related work experience
- None
- Typical on-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
BLS national employment projections, 2025–2035. Openings include people leaving occupations or the labor force; these are not advertised vacancies. Education categories describe typical entry, not legal eligibility or a guarantee that any specific program is sufficient.
Compare wages across 50 state/DC estimates
| State | Annual median | Hourly median | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $51,870 | $24.94 | 2,770 |
| Alaska | $60,160 | $28.92 | 750 |
| Arizona | $61,340 | $29.49 | 3,950 |
| Arkansas | $44,320 | $21.31 | 2,010 |
| California | $81,770 | $39.31 | 11,630 |
| Colorado | $74,200 | $35.68 | 2,620 |
| Connecticut | $78,820 | $37.90 | 980 |
| Delaware | $64,940 | $31.22 | 340 |
| Florida | $59,030 | $28.38 | 7,440 |
| Georgia | $48,930 | $23.52 | 3,310 |
| Hawaii | $65,560 | $31.52 | 610 |
| Idaho | $52,210 | $25.10 | 1,480 |
| Illinois | $67,810 | $32.60 | 3,500 |
| Indiana | $53,540 | $25.74 | 3,140 |
| Iowa | $60,990 | $29.32 | 2,370 |
| Kansas | $46,780 | $22.49 | 1,560 |
| Kentucky | $45,430 | $21.84 | 2,540 |
| Louisiana | $46,210 | $22.22 | 2,450 |
| Maine | $61,870 | $29.74 | 710 |
| Maryland | $61,870 | $29.75 | 1,770 |
| Massachusetts | $68,550 | $32.96 | 2,510 |
| Michigan | $59,270 | $28.49 | 3,400 |
| Minnesota | $74,670 | $35.90 | 2,290 |
| Mississippi | $46,480 | $22.34 | 1,150 |
| Missouri | $49,940 | $24.01 | 3,000 |
| Montana | $58,040 | $27.90 | 690 |
| Nebraska | $61,220 | $29.43 | 740 |
| Nevada | $81,440 | $39.15 | Not published |
| New Hampshire | $62,940 | $30.26 | 510 |
| New Jersey | $78,760 | $37.87 | 2,500 |
| New Mexico | $48,190 | $23.17 | 2,110 |
| New York | $63,990 | $30.76 | 5,300 |
| North Carolina | $51,680 | $24.85 | 3,620 |
| North Dakota | $60,470 | $29.07 | 550 |
| Ohio | $59,170 | $28.45 | 5,870 |
| Oklahoma | $45,890 | $22.06 | 2,280 |
| Oregon | $69,720 | $33.52 | 1,240 |
| Pennsylvania | $63,310 | $30.44 | 4,660 |
| Rhode Island | $61,820 | $29.72 | 420 |
| South Carolina | $52,090 | $25.05 | 2,650 |
| South Dakota | $53,370 | $25.66 | 1,060 |
| Tennessee | $50,670 | $24.36 | 3,140 |
| Texas | $49,460 | $23.78 | 10,520 |
| Utah | $61,290 | $29.47 | 1,900 |
| Vermont | $63,640 | $30.60 | 320 |
| Virginia | $59,420 | $28.57 | 3,460 |
| Washington | $80,800 | $38.85 | 2,030 |
| West Virginia | $47,560 | $22.87 | 1,100 |
| Wisconsin | $63,550 | $30.56 | 2,230 |
| Wyoming | $63,260 | $30.41 | 500 |
Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan wages
Search the 503 published local-area estimates for this occupation. Metropolitan areas can cross state lines; a city’s postal name is not necessarily the statistical area’s name.
Sources: BLS May 2025 OEWS public downloads and 2025–2035 employment projections, retrieved September 9, 2026. Unpublished estimates stay unavailable. “+” means BLS’s upper reporting threshold ($239,200 annually or $115 hourly). Wages exclude self-employment and nonwage benefits. How to interpret these figures.
Compare the route and prepare for work
Questions to test the fit
- What does an entry-level working day look like, and how does it differ from the experienced role described here?
- Which tasks, work environments and schedules would I enjoy or find difficult?
- What education, supervised practice and credentials do local employers actually request?
- Can I speak with someone in the occupation or arrange a suitable workplace visit?
- How does the complete training cost compare with my realistic budget and available routes?
Related occupations to compare
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians→
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health→
Related through shared training-subject mappings. Entry requirements can differ substantially.
Sources and attribution
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. Trade School Guides selects and organizes the material and adds explanatory guidance. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. Occupation code: 51-8031.00.
Training connections: CIP 2020–SOC 2018 crosswalk. Snapshot: September 8, 2026. See the methodology.