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How much do backflow jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for backflow in the United States is $28.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is backflow certification worth it?

Backflow certification is valuable for professionals working in plumbing, water systems, or backflow prevention, as it demonstrates knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance. It can improve job prospects, ensure proper installation and testing, and may be required by local regulations or employers. Certification often involves passing an exam and gaining practical experience with backflow prevention devices.

What are backflow technicians?

Backflow technicians are professionals who specialize in testing, installing, repairing, and maintaining backflow prevention devices in plumbing systems. These devices prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into clean water supplies, ensuring water safety and compliance with local regulations. Backflow technicians are often certified and work with homeowners, businesses, and municipal water systems to prevent health hazards caused by water contamination.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Backflow Prevention Specialist?

As a Backflow Prevention Specialist, your daily responsibilities often include inspecting, testing, and repairing backflow prevention assemblies to ensure compliance with local and national plumbing codes. You'll frequently travel to various sites, document test results, and communicate with property owners or facility managers about necessary repairs or maintenance. Collaboration with plumbers, utility staff, and regulatory agencies is common, and staying up-to-date with certification requirements is essential. The role requires strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to public health and safety.

What is the difference between Backflow vs Backflow Tester?

AspectBackflowBackflow Tester
CertificationsOften requires backflow prevention device certificationsRequires backflow tester certifications and licensing
Work EnvironmentPlumbing, municipal, or industrial settingsField inspections, testing, and certification of backflow devices
Employer & IndustryPlumbing companies, municipalities, industrial facilitiesSpecialized testing companies, plumbing firms, municipal agencies
Job RoleDesigns, installs, repairs backflow prevention devicesTests, inspects, and certifies backflow prevention devices

Backflow refers to the plumbing process or devices preventing contaminated water from reversing flow, while a Backflow Tester specializes in inspecting and certifying these devices. Both roles require specific certifications and are integral to plumbing and municipal water safety. The tester focuses on ensuring devices function correctly, whereas the broader backflow role may include installation and repair.

How much do backflow testers make?

Backflow testers in Texas typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the systems they service. Many testers are required to obtain a state certification and may work full-time or part-time schedules in residential or commercial settings.

How hard is it to get backflow certified?

Backflow certification typically requires completing a training course and passing an exam to demonstrate knowledge of backflow prevention and plumbing codes. The process can take a few days to weeks depending on the program and may involve hands-on testing with backflow prevention devices. Continuing education is often required to maintain certification.

What is the highest paying job in plumbing?

In plumbing, specialized roles such as plumbing contractors, master plumbers, or plumbing project managers tend to have the highest salaries. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and the ability to manage large-scale projects or run a business, leading to higher income potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backflow Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backflow Technician, you need a solid understanding of plumbing systems, water safety regulations, and backflow prevention methods, usually supported by a high school diploma and specialized backflow certification. Familiarity with backflow testing equipment, repair tools, and local compliance documentation systems is also important. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong customer service skills make technicians stand out in this role. These skills ensure the safe and efficient maintenance of water systems, protect public health, and support regulatory compliance.
More about Backflow jobs
What cities are hiring for Backflow jobs? Cities with the most Backflow job openings:
What states have the most Backflow jobs? States with the most job openings for Backflow jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Backflow jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Backflow jobs are:
Backflow jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backflow job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,820 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Water/Wastewater Backflow Prevention Technician

City of San Marcos, TX

San Marcos, TX • On-site

$24.40 - $30.51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Salary: $24.40 - $30.51 Hourly
Location : Public Services Complex - 2217 E McCarty Lane, San Marcos, TX
Job Type: Full-time Non-Exempt
Job Number: 2512
Department: U - Water Maintenance
Opening Date: 07/17/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Work Hours: Varies
JOB SUMMARY
Become part of a team that thrives on Professionalism, Innovation, Customer Experience, Integrity, and Teamwork - the values that guide how we serve our community.
The W/WW Backflow Prevention Technician supports the City's Backflow, CSI, and Cross-Connection Program by ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements and protecting public health. The role conducts on-site cross-connection surveys, system hazard inspections, and irrigation plan reviews to prevent backflow risks and maintain safe water quality. It also provides public education on cross-connection control and prepares required documentation for regulatory agencies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.
  • Provides education and training to employees, contractors, engineers, inspectors, and the public on backflow prevention and cross-connection control and maintains related instructional materials.
  • Conducts cross-connection surveys and inspections of the City's water system at residential and commercial sites to assess backflow prevention needs, support customer compliance with City ordinances, and evaluate irrigation systems, secondary water sources, and related system conditions.
  • Administers the City's cross-connection control and backflow prevention program by monitoring device installation and testing, maintaining records, overseeing tester compliance and equipment tracking, and managing GIS data for all assemblies.
  • Tests and repairs City-owned backflow prevention devices to ensure proper function and regulatory compliance.
  • Performs residential and commercial plan reviews for compliance with City, state, and federal codes, identifying non-compliance issues and ensuring irrigation and water distribution designs meet cross-connection control requirements.
  • Guides contractors and the public on irrigation requirements, conducts related field inspections, and responds to technical inquiries.
  • Supports enforcement of applicable water, wastewater, irrigation, plumbing, and fire codes by investigating reports, documenting violations, and communicating compliance requirements.
  • Participates in required training, safety meetings, and state agency programs; completes other related duties as assigned; and maintains required certifications, including Backflow Tester and Confined Space Entry.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Three (3) years of Water/Wastewater maintenance experience.
  • A Class C Water Distribution License required within four (4) years of employment.
  • Irrigation System Inspector license is required within two (2) years of employment.
  • Customer Service Inspection License required within (2) years of employment.
  • Must possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • A Class C Water Distribution License.
  • Customer Service Inspection License.
  • Two (2) years or college or technical training in plumbing, blueprint reading, architecture or related field is desirable.

COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of state and federal regulations, municipal ordinances, and building, plumbing, and fire codes relevant to backflow prevention and cross-connection control.
  • Knowledge of underground and non-visible piping configurations, secondary water sources, and water system protection principles.
  • Skill in preparing inspection records, training materials, and presentations for diverse audiences.
  • Skill in verbal and written communication to effectively interact with City staff, contractors, engineers, irrigators, plumbers, and the public.
  • Skill in operating computers and using electronic systems, software, and web-based platforms.
  • Ability to enforce ordinances and state regulations impartially, tactfully, and firmly.
  • Ability to support administration of the City's water system protection program, including backflow prevention and cross-connection control activities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position requires the ability to lift up to 70 pounds occasionally. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, reaching, fine dexterity, vision, hearing, talking and foot controls frequently; pushing/pulling, handling and kneeling occasionally; lifting, carrying, crouching, crawling, bending, twisting, climbing and balancing rarely.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Working conditions involve exposure to variable and/or extreme weather conditions, uneven terrain, wildlife, confined spaces, gases, infectious diseases, and equipment located at inspection sites. Will also encounter confrontational and irate customers. Must have the ability to diffuse irate customers.
This is a safety sensitive position.
The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.
BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
  • United Healthcare
    • Choice Plus PPO Plan
    • Prescription Drug Plan
    • Wellness Initiatives
    • Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
    • Dental Plan
  • Davis Vision Insurance
    • Base Vision Plan
    • Premium Vision Plan
    • Laser Vision Correction discounts
Retirement
  • Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
  • Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Vacation
  • Sick Leave
  • Holidays
  • Longevity Pay
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Activity Center Membership
  • Direct Deposit

The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.
01
Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have, or are able to obtain, a valid Texas Driver's License with an acceptable driving record?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Do you have three (3) years of water/wastewater maintenance experience?
  • Yes
  • No

04
Do you have a Class C Water Distribution License?*Note: Required within four (4) years of employment.
  • Yes
  • No

05
Do you have an Irrigation System Inspector License?*Note: Required within two (2) years of employment
  • Yes
  • No

06
Do you have a Customer Service Inspection License? *Preferred
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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