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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in South Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in South Carolina?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$52,090
Median Annual Salary
▲ +5.3% vs 2024
$55,910
Mean Salary
$52,090
Median Salary
$25.04
Hourly Rate
2,650 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary by percentile in South Carolina

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in South Carolina — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $39,060$39,06025th25% earn less than $45,810$45,810MedianHalf earn more than $52,090$52,09075th75% earn less than $63,370$63,37090thTop 10% earn more than $76,850$76,850

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina earn a median salary of $52,090 per year ($4,340/month). This is 13.1% below the national average of $59,966. South Carolina ranks #36 out of 50 states for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators pay. Approximately 2,650 people work in this occupation across South Carolina. Salaries increased by 5.3% 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)

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

Salary Range: Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina

Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina range from $39,060 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $76,850 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $45,810 and $63,370.

Median $52,090
P10: $39,060 P25: $45,810 P75: $63,370 P90: $76,850
10th
$39,060
25th
$45,810
Median
$52,090
75th
$63,370
90th
$76,850
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $39,060 $18.78 $3,255
25th Percentile $45,810 $22.02 $3,817
Median (50th) $52,090 $25.04 $4,340
75th Percentile $63,370 $30.47 $5,280
90th Percentile (Experienced) $76,850 $36.95 $6,404

Note: The mean (average) salary of $55,910 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#36
South Carolina ranks #36 of 50 states
$59,966
National avg. for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
-13.1%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

How much do you actually take home? See Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators take-home pay in South Carolina after taxes →

Explore Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Data in South Carolina

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.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina is $52,090 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $55,910.
What is the salary range for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina?
Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina range from $39,060 at the 10th percentile to $76,850 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $45,810 and $63,370.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina?
Entry-level Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators positions in South Carolina typically start around $39,060 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $45,810 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,650 people are employed as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South 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 South Carolina is approximately $25.04 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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