Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Learn more
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Iowa
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Iowa?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$60,990
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.7% vs 2024
$60,790
Mean Salary
$60,990
Median Salary
$29.32
Hourly Rate
2,370 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary by percentile in Iowa
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa earn a median salary of $60,990 per year ($5,082/month).
This is 1.7% above the national average of $59,966.
Iowa ranks #25 out of 50 states for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators pay.
Approximately 2,370 people work in this occupation across Iowa.
Salaries increased by 2.7% compared to 2024.
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)
Salary Range: Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa
Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa range from $46,880 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $76,040 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $50,300 and $67,390.
Median $60,990
P10: $46,880P25: $50,300P75: $67,390P90: $76,040
10th
$46,880
25th
$50,300
Median
$60,990
75th
$67,390
90th
$76,040
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$46,880
$22.54
$3,906
25th Percentile
$50,300
$24.18
$4,191
Median (50th)
$60,990
$29.32
$5,082
75th Percentile
$67,390
$32.40
$5,615
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$76,040
$36.56
$6,336
Note: The mean (average) salary of $60,790 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#25
Iowa ranks #25 of 50 states
$59,966
National avg. for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
How much do Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa is $60,990 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $60,790.
What is the salary range for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa?
Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa range from $46,880 at the 10th percentile to $76,040 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $50,300 and $67,390.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa?
Entry-level Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators positions in Iowa typically start around $46,880 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $50,300 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,370 people are employed as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa is approximately $29.32 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
We use cookies to improve your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve relevant ads.
You can choose which categories to allow. For details, see our
Privacy Policy and
Cookie List.