... providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to ... septic systems and wastewater treatment facilities. * Performs engineering calculations ...
... providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to ... septic systems and wastewater treatment facilities. * Performs engineering calculations ...
Septic Cleaner information
See Washington salary details
$11.16 - $12.13
1% of jobs
$12.13 - $13.09
5% of jobs
$13.09 - $14.06
8% of jobs
$15.02 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$14.06 - $15.02
10% of jobs
$15.02 - $15.99
7% of jobs
The median wage is $16.85 / hr.
$15.99 - $16.95
20% of jobs
$16.95 - $17.92
15% of jobs
$18.56 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$17.92 - $18.89
13% of jobs
$18.89 - $19.85
6% of jobs
$19.85 - $20.82
8% of jobs
$20.82 - $21.78
6% of jobs
$11
$17
$21
How much do septic cleaner jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for septic cleaner in Washington is $17.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
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 are septic cleaners and what do they do?
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.
Do I need a license to pump septic?
Septic cleaners typically need a valid state or local license or certification to operate legally, as pumping and maintaining septic systems involve handling hazardous materials and following environmental regulations. Licensing requirements vary by location and may include training in safety procedures and equipment use. It is important to check with local authorities to ensure compliance before performing septic pumping services.
What will vinegar do to a septic tank?
Septic cleaners should avoid using large amounts of vinegar in septic tanks, as it can disrupt the natural bacteria that break down waste. While small amounts of vinegar are unlikely to cause harm, excessive use may impair septic system function and lead to backups or failures. Proper maintenance and bacterial balance are essential for septic system health, and professional advice is recommended for chemical use.
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 is the difference between Septic Cleaner vs Drain Cleaner?
| Aspect | Septic Cleaner | Drain Cleaner |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | May require OSHA training, safety certifications | Typically no formal credentials required |
| Work Environment | Septic tanks, underground systems, outdoor sites | Indoor plumbing, sinks, drains |
| Industry Usage | Septic system maintenance, waste management | Clog removal, pipe cleaning |
| Common Search Intent | Septic system cleaning, maintenance | Clogged 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.
What is the highest paid cleaning job?
Among cleaning jobs, specialized roles such as industrial or hazardous materials cleaners tend to have the highest pay due to the skills and safety training required. These positions often offer higher wages compared to standard residential or commercial cleaning jobs, especially when performed in challenging environments or with advanced equipment. Experience, certifications, and working in high-risk settings can significantly increase earning potential.
How much do you get paid as a septic tank cleaner?
Septic tank cleaners typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000. Pay can vary based on experience, location, and whether the worker is employed by a company or self-employed, and the job often requires physical strength and knowledge of safety procedures.
What are popular job titles related to Septic Cleaner jobs in Washington? For Septic Cleaner jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Septic Cleaner jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Septic Cleaner jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Septic Cleaner jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Septic Cleaner job openings:
Project Delivery Engineer, Military Services Group
Fort Belvoir, VA
$70K - $118K/yr
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 21 days ago
American Water rating
8.6
Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
10th of 52 rated energy and utility
Job description
Requisition ID: 109940
Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.
People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.
We are Beautifully Different. We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role! Click here for more information on our inclusion, diversity, and equity journey.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.
For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
In September 2008, under the Department of Defense’s Utility Privatization Program, American Water was awarded ownership and a 50-year contract for the operations and maintenance of the water and wastewater distribution and collection systems and treatment facilities at Fort Johnson in Leesville, Louisiana. Our responsibilities include system capital investment, regulatory and environmental compliance, planning, asset recapitalization, and long term operations and maintenance. The potable water distribution system consists of ground water supply, treatment, storage, and piping. There are twelve active wells supplying water through a network of 100 miles of pipe and being stored in 14 elevated and ground tanks with a combined capacity of 7 million gallons. The wastewater collection system includes two wastewater treatment plants with a capacity of 1.4 and 3.8 million gallons per day (MGD) both serviced by 82 miles of pipe. The water and wastewater systems at Fort Johnson serve a population of just under 20,000.
Position Information
Senior, Project Delivery Engineer in Fort Belvoir VA
Posted Range:
$70,690 - $118,100
The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.
In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!
American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!
Primary Role
***This role provides a relocation package availabe to those that are not local to this role.
*** College students who are graduating are encouraged to apply
Carries out engineering tasks and activities on assigned water and wastewater projects, under the direction of one or more managers by performing the following duties personally or through work with other team members. Performance Measurements: Performance of a project engineer in the Engineering group will be primarily measured against demonstrated success in developing and delivering project work products that are of high quality and prepared within the limits of contracted schedule and budget. Additional goals will be established at yearly performance review.
Key Accountabilities
- Undertakes assignments and activities related to the development of water and wastewater infrastructure projects including preparation of feasibility studies, acquisition of permits and design of facilities.
- Typical projects include, but are not limited to, potable water wells, treatment facilities, storage tanks and water distribution systems along with sewage collection, pumping stations, septic systems and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Performs engineering calculations, contributes to the preparation of engineering and project reports, conducts field investigations, develops engineering cost estimates and prepares design sketches and drawings, all under the supervision of a manager.
- Assists in the development of new business documents and proposals.
- Prepares portions of project reports for project management.
Knowledge/Skills
- Ability to work multiple projects or assignments with minimum direction.
- Effective management skills (e.g. planning, organizing, coordinating individual staff and teams).
- Verbal and written communications skills (e.g. presentation, report writing, listening).
- Interpersonal skills (e.g. tact/diplomacy, persuasion, cooperation, ability to motivate others).
- Strong Quantitative, analytical and financial skills; attention to details.
- Leadership presence (e.g. ability to deal effectively and maintain cooperation working relationships with senior management and other key stakeholders).
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions form management.
- Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Knowledge of engineering theory and practice related to planning, design, construction and operation of water/wastewater facilities, project management, water resources, engineering economics and utility operations.
- Knowledge of engineering or construction contract administration and project delivery approaches related to water/wastewater facilities.
- Sound business acumen and judgment.
- Knowledge of company procedures, policies and operations.
- Understanding of Company management theories, practices, and trends.
Experience/Education
- Engineering experience in water resources utility or related field.
- 1-5 years minimum experience in water and wastewater industry or utility industry
- Bachelor’s Degree in civil, Environmental, Mechanical or related field.
Work Environment/Schedule
- Monday - Friday 7am - 3:30pm
- 60% office 40% field.
- 20% Travel (as needed)
- In addition to American Water’s pre-employment screenings, this position requires the ability to pass a Department of Defense background check for access to the military installation.
Certifications/Licenses
- Minimum of Engineer in Training (EIT) required.
- Professional Engineering (PE) license is preferred, not required for this role.
#LI-BH1
#LI-Onsite
Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™
American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they are an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.
What American Water employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About American Water
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,500 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing.
Industry
Utilities
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Camden, NJ, US
Year founded
1886