Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
BLS projects employment of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators to change by -5.7% from 2025 to 2035, slower than the 3.5% projected for all occupations, with about 10,000 openings a year. The median annual wage in 2025 was $60,020 (all occupations: $50,980).
Updated
| Median annual wage, 2025 | $60,020 |
|---|---|
| Employment, 2025 | 131,000 |
| Projected employment, 2035 | 123,500 |
| Change, 2025–35 | -5.7% (−7,500) |
| Openings per year, 2025–35 average | 10,000 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | Long-term on-the-job training |
| Self-employed | 0.1% |
Read the official BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile ↗
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2025–35, and worker characteristics, 2025 ↗. Employment is for 2025, projections to 2035; median annual wage is for 2025; openings are the projected annual average for 2025–35. Figures are national, not local. Data last downloaded Oct 16, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $60,020 for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in 2025.
What is the job outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
BLS projects employment to change by -5.7% from 2025 to 2035, with about 10,000 openings per year on average.
What education do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators need?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as: High school diploma or equivalent. Typical on-the-job training: Long-term on-the-job training.