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 Tennessee
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Tennessee?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$50,670
Median Annual Salary
▼
-0.2% vs 2024
$53,790
Mean Salary
$50,670
Median Salary
$24.36
Hourly Rate
3,140 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary by percentile in Tennessee
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee earn a median salary of $50,670 per year ($4,222/month).
This is 15.5% below the national average of $59,966.
Tennessee ranks #39 out of 50 states for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators pay.
Approximately 3,140 people work in this occupation across Tennessee.
Salaries decreased by 0.2% 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 Tennessee
Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee range from $35,430 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $75,540 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $43,250 and $61,910.
Median $50,670
P10: $35,430P25: $43,250P75: $61,910P90: $75,540
10th
$35,430
25th
$43,250
Median
$50,670
75th
$61,910
90th
$75,540
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$35,430
$17.03
$2,952
25th Percentile
$43,250
$20.79
$3,604
Median (50th)
$50,670
$24.36
$4,222
75th Percentile
$61,910
$29.76
$5,159
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$75,540
$36.32
$6,295
Note: The mean (average) salary of $53,790 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#39
Tennessee ranks #39 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 Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee is $50,670 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $53,790.
What is the salary range for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee?
Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee range from $35,430 at the 10th percentile to $75,540 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $43,250 and $61,910.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee?
Entry-level Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators positions in Tennessee typically start around $35,430 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $43,250 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 3,140 people are employed as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee is approximately $24.36 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.