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Septic Cleaner Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Plumber

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35/hr

Drain cleaning * Jetting * Septic camera inspections * Slab leak detection, and repair * Water heater installation and service Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and ...

Oversees and manages repairs for systems like HVAC, septic, fire suppression, generators, and major ... Valid California Driver's License with a clean record to be insured with the organization ...

Oversees and manages repairs for systems like HVAC, septic, fire suppression, generators, and major ... Valid California Driver's License with a clean record to be insured with the organization ...

HVAC Technician

Victorville, CA · On-site

$75K - $250K/yr

Cisneros Brothers Home Services, a trusted leader in Plumbing, HVAC, Septic, and Water Damage ... Keep work areas and company vehicles clean and organized. Qualifications * Minimum 2+ years of HVAC ...

Laborer

Pala, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Clean septic tanks and clean up trash. * It is mandatory to pick up trash on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. * Help other Pala Band of Mission Indians departments with anything needed. * Must be ...

Laborer

Pala, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $20.50/hr

Clean septic tanks and clean up trash. * It is mandatory to pick up trash on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. * Help other Pala Band of Mission Indians departments with anything needed. * Must be ...

HVAC Technician

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$75K - $250K/yr

Cisneros Brothers Home Services, a trusted leader in Plumbing, HVAC, Septic, and Water Damage ... Keep work areas and company vehicles clean and organized. Qualifications * Minimum 2+ years of HVAC ...

HVAC Technician

Victorville, CA · On-site

$75K - $250K/yr

Cisneros Brothers Home Services, a trusted leader in Plumbing, HVAC, Septic, and Water Damage ... Keep work areas and company vehicles clean and organized. Qualifications * Minimum 2+ years of HVAC ...

HVAC Technician

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$75K - $250K/yr

Cisneros Brothers Home Services, a trusted leader in Plumbing, HVAC, Septic, and Water Damage ... Keep work areas and company vehicles clean and organized. Qualifications * Minimum 2+ years of HVAC ...

HVAC Technician

Victorville, CA · On-site

$75K - $250K/yr

Cisneros Brothers Home Services, a trusted leader in Plumbing, HVAC, Septic, and Water Damage ... Keep work areas and company vehicles clean and organized. Qualifications * Minimum 2+ years of HVAC ...

We are a well-established septic service company looking for an enthusiastic and dependable Service ... Maintain tools, equipment, and service vehicles in clean, working condition * Follow safety ...

Plumbing Install

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Clean drains, remove obstructions, and repair or replace broken pipes and fixtures. * Working ... septic systems and lines. PAY TRANSPARENCY: The starting rate for this opportunity ranges from $20 ...

Showing results 21-40

Septic Cleaner information

See California salary details

$9

$14

$18

How much do septic cleaner jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for septic cleaner in California is $14.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $16.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a septic cleaner?

Septic cleaners are professionals responsible for maintaining, cleaning, and emptying septic tanks and related systems. Their main duties involve pumping out waste, inspecting tanks for damage, and ensuring proper function to prevent backups or environmental hazards. They use specialized equipment to safely remove sludge and debris, and may also advise homeowners on septic system care. Regular septic cleaning is crucial for preventing costly repairs and extending the life of the septic system.

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

To thrive as a Septic Cleaner, you need knowledge of septic system maintenance, safe handling of waste, and typically a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). Familiarity with vacuum trucks, septic pumping equipment, and safety protocols is essential for daily operations. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication help ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining public health, preventing environmental hazards, and delivering quality service to clients.

What are some typical challenges a septic cleaner may face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Septic Cleaners often encounter physically demanding and sometimes unpredictable work environments, such as confined spaces or adverse weather conditions. Common challenges include dealing with strong odors, equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to health and safety protocols. To manage these, it's important to use personal protective equipment, receive proper training, and maintain equipment regularly. Working as part of a team and communicating effectively also helps address unexpected issues quickly and safely.

What is the difference between Septic Cleaner vs Drain Cleaner?

AspectSeptic CleanerDrain Cleaner
CredentialsMay require OSHA training, safety certificationsTypically no formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentSeptic tanks, underground systems, outdoor sitesIndoor plumbing, sinks, drains
Industry UsageSeptic system maintenance, waste managementClog removal, pipe cleaning
Common Search IntentSeptic system cleaning, maintenanceClogged drain repair, pipe cleaning

Septic Cleaners focus on maintaining and cleaning septic systems, often working outdoors and requiring safety certifications. Drain Cleaners primarily handle indoor drain clogs and may not need specialized credentials. While both roles involve plumbing-related tasks, septic cleaners deal with waste management systems, whereas drain cleaners focus on clearing blockages in household plumbing.

How much do septic cleaners make?

Septic cleaners in Washington state typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, certifications, and location. The job often requires physical labor, knowledge of septic systems, and safety precautions.

How much money can you make cleaning septic tanks?

Septic cleaners typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and job complexity. Skilled workers who operate specialized equipment or hold certifications may earn higher wages, and some jobs offer overtime or on-call pay.

What are popular job titles related to Septic Cleaner jobs in California?

For Septic Cleaner jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Septic Cleaner jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Septic Cleaner jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Septic Cleaner jobs?

Cities in California with the most Septic Cleaner job openings:

Plumber

San Diego, CA • On-site

Tradesmen International, Inc.
Construction • 501 - 1,000 employees

$35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Tradesmen International is immediately hiring experienced Journeyman Plumbers for projects located in the San Diego, CA area. This is a first shift opportunity, and the pay rate is $35/hour based on experience and skill level. If you are a Plumber and want to work alongside other proven craftsmen who emphasize safety, productivity, and superior craftsmanship, this is your chance to advance your career! 

Job Scope:          

  • Commercial service plumbing work
  • Drain cleaning
  • Jetting
  • Septic camera inspections
  • Slab leak detection, and repair
  • Water heater installation and service

Tradesmen International not only offers consistent work, top pay, and employment opportunities, we also provide a benefits package that is among the best in the industry.

Our comprehensive benefits include:

  • Tradesmen+ Rewards Program – earn points for hours worked
  • Vacation Pay
  • Health insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan

Tradesmen International is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability

Be Safe” from fraud!  Tradesmen International will never ask you to pay for certifications, equipment, or other “up front”  costs as a condition of hire. Similarly, we do not request pictures of documents or IDs to private phone numbers or email addresses. If in doubt, please call or visit your closest Tradesmen office to verify the request.

Click here to visit Tradesmen’s full website.


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