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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in California

How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$82,100
Median Annual Salary
$86,500
Mean Salary
$82,100
Median Salary
$39.47
Hourly Rate
11,260 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California

About This Job: 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.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.88
Operation and Control
3.75
Monitoring
3.62
Active Listening
3.38
Quality Control Analysis
3.38

Key Knowledge Areas

Chemistry
3.98
Biology
3.9
Mechanical
3.89
Mathematics
3.62
Public Safety and Security
3.48
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (41.8% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California

Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California range from $52,510 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $123,870 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $64,850 and $102,510.

Median $82,100
P10: $52,510 P25: $64,850 P75: $102,510 P90: $123,870
10th
$52,510
25th
$64,850
Median
$82,100
75th
$102,510
90th
$123,870
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $52,510 $25.25 $4,375
25th Percentile $64,850 $31.18 $5,404
Median (50th) $82,100 $39.47 $6,841
75th Percentile $102,510 $49.28 $8,542
90th Percentile (Experienced) $123,870 $59.55 $10,322

Note: The mean (average) salary of $86,500 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary by State

Compare Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

Nevada $79,140 Washington $78,810 Alaska $76,910 New Jersey $75,200 Connecticut $74,450 Minnesota $70,470 Colorado $68,220 New Hampshire $66,240 Hawaii $65,800 Massachusetts $65,620

View all 50 states →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in California?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California is $82,100 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $86,500.
What is the salary range for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California?
Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California range from $52,510 at the 10th percentile to $123,870 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $64,850 and $102,510.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California?
Entry-level Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators positions in California typically start around $52,510 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $64,850 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 11,260 people are employed as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California is approximately $39.47 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS