Production
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Also called: Plant Operator, Process Operator (Process Op), Relief Operator, Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator (WWTP Operator)
US median pay
$60,020
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-5.7%
declining
Openings a year (US)
10,000
131,000 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
What they do day to day
- Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
- Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
- Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
- Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
- Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
- Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
- Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
- Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operation and Control4.0/5
- Operations Monitoring3.9/5
- Troubleshooting3.1/5
- Repairing3.1/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.1/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
Knowledge
- Public Safety and Security4.2/5
- Mechanical3.6/5
- English Language3.5/5
- Chemistry3.4/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
- Education and Training3.4/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma50%
- Post-secondary certificate38%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.