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 North Carolina
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in North Carolina?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$51,680
Median Annual Salary
▲
+4.0% vs 2024
$54,620
Mean Salary
$51,680
Median Salary
$24.85
Hourly Rate
3,620 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary by percentile in North Carolina
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina earn a median salary of $51,680 per year ($4,306/month).
This is 13.8% below the national average of $59,966.
North Carolina ranks #38 out of 50 states for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators pay.
Approximately 3,620 people work in this occupation across North Carolina.
Salaries increased by 4.0% 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 North Carolina
Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina range from $37,860 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $75,600 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $45,850 and $61,740.
Median $51,680
P10: $37,860P25: $45,850P75: $61,740P90: $75,600
10th
$37,860
25th
$45,850
Median
$51,680
75th
$61,740
90th
$75,600
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$37,860
$18.20
$3,155
25th Percentile
$45,850
$22.04
$3,820
Median (50th)
$51,680
$24.85
$4,306
75th Percentile
$61,740
$29.68
$5,145
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$75,600
$36.35
$6,300
Note: The mean (average) salary of $54,620 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#38
North Carolina ranks #38 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 North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina is $51,680 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $54,620.
What is the salary range for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina?
Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina range from $37,860 at the 10th percentile to $75,600 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $45,850 and $61,740.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina?
Entry-level Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators positions in North Carolina typically start around $37,860 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $45,850 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,620 people are employed as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina is approximately $24.85 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.