1

Septic Tank Pumping Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Utilities Crew Leader I

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$49K - $80K/yr

... pump and septic tank effluent pump (STEP) service connections, underground vaults/manholes and sewer pumping stations (SPS) pipes and valves. Oversees inspects, and participates in the work of ...

Utilities Crew Leader I

MD · On-site

$49K - $80K/yr

... pump and septic tank effluent pump (STEP) service connections, underground vaults/manholes and sewer pumping stations (SPS) pipes and valves. Oversees inspects, and participates in the work of ...

Route Based Driver

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$18.56 - $25.06/hr

Primary Purpose The Utility Technician will operate various Class A, B, and/or C vehicles (pumper ... Services portable restrooms, holding tanks, septic tanks, sinks, showers, etc., at various work ...

Route Based Driver

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$18.56 - $25.06/hr

The Utility Technician will operate various Class A, B, and/or C vehicles (pumper truck, P&D truck ... Services portable restrooms, holding tanks, septic tanks, sinks, showers, etc., at various work ...

Route Based Driver

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$18.56 - $25.06/hr

Primary Purpose The Utility Technician will operate various Class A, B, and/or C vehicles (pumper ... Services portable restrooms, holding tanks, septic tanks, sinks, showers, etc., at various work ...

Route Based Driver

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$18.56 - $25.06/hr

Primary Purpose The Utility Technician will operate various Class A, B, and/or C vehicles (pumper ... Services portable restrooms, holding tanks, septic tanks, sinks, showers, etc., at various work ...

Septic Tank Pumping information

See Washington salary details

$12

$22

$34

How much do septic tank pumping jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for septic tank pumping in Washington is $22.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.52 and $23.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is septic tank pumping and why is it necessary?

Septic tank pumping is the process of removing sludge, scum, and liquid waste from a septic tank to ensure it functions properly. Over time, solid waste and grease build up in the tank, which can lead to blockages, backups, or even system failure if not removed. Regular pumping helps prevent costly repairs and protects your property and the environment from contamination. Industry experts generally recommend pumping your septic tank every 3 to 5 years, depending on tank size and household usage.

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

To thrive as a Septic Tank Pumping Technician, you need basic mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional training or licensing required in some regions. Familiarity with vacuum trucks, septic system components, and safety equipment is essential, and certifications such as OSHA safety training may be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and excellent customer service skills help technicians handle challenging situations and interact with clients professionally. These skills ensure safe, efficient waste removal while maintaining environmental standards and customer satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced when working in septic tank pumping, and how can they be managed?

Septic tank pumping professionals often encounter physically demanding conditions, such as working outdoors in various weather and handling heavy equipment. Exposure to unpleasant odors and potentially hazardous waste materials is also common. To manage these challenges, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), adherence to safety protocols, and regular equipment maintenance are essential. Teamwork and clear communication are important for efficiency and safety, and many companies offer on-the-job training to help new hires adapt to the unique aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Septic Tank Pumping vs Septic System Inspection?

AspectSeptic Tank PumpingSeptic System Inspection
PurposeRemoves accumulated sludge and scum from the septic tankEvaluates the overall condition and functionality of the entire septic system
CredentialsTypically requires a septic license and proper trainingRequires certification in septic system inspection and often a license
Work EnvironmentInvolves accessing septic tanks, often outdoors, confined spacesIncludes inspecting tanks, drain fields, and related components
FrequencyUsually performed every 3-5 yearsPerformed during home inspections or when issues arise

Septic tank pumping focuses on removing waste buildup to prevent system failure, while septic system inspection assesses the entire system's health to identify potential problems early. Both jobs require specialized training and are essential for maintaining a properly functioning septic system.

Do I need a license to pump septic tanks?

Septic tank pumping professionals typically need a valid state or local license or certification to operate legally, which may include training in safety, environmental regulations, and equipment use. Licensing requirements vary by location, and some areas also require specialized permits or adherence to environmental standards. It is important for septic tank pumpers to stay updated on local regulations to ensure compliance and safe operation.

How much money do septic tank pumpers make?

Septic tank pumpers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $30,000 to $50,000. Earnings can vary based on experience, location, and whether they work for a company or as independent contractors, often requiring knowledge of safety protocols and equipment operation.

Is pumping septic tanks a good job?

Septic tank pumping is a physically demanding job that involves operating specialized equipment and working outdoors, often in confined spaces. It can offer steady employment and requires knowledge of safety procedures and environmental regulations. Job satisfaction depends on individual preferences for manual labor and problem-solving tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Septic Tank Pumping jobs in Washington?

For Septic Tank Pumping jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Septic Tank Pumping jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Septic Tank Pumping jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Septic Tank Pumping jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Septic Tank Pumping job openings:

Infographic showing various Septic Tank Pumping job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,322 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Utilities Crew Leader I

Annapolis, MD • On-site

Anne Arundel County
Executive Offices and Legislative Bodies • 201 - 500 employees

$49K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Anne Arundel County rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Position Description This is limited lead and skilled work in the general maintenance of the Bureau of Utility Operations' water distribution and wastewater collection systems infrastructure and related facilities. NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK Work involves responsibility for overseeing, inspecting and participating in the activities of the Bureau of Utility Operations' water distribution and wastewater collection systems maintenance crews and of road and wash crews engaged in cleaning wastewater lines, wastewater pumping station wet wells, televising wastewater collection system infrastructure, and grouting sewer lines and manholes. Work is normally performed independently in accordance with generally accepted industry practices and established procedures.

A supervisor may outline unusual or difficult work as required. Employees instruct workers in work methods and procedures and inspect work in progress and upon completion. Work is subject to inspection by a superior while in progress and upon completion.

Personal contacts include responding to the public on the nature and purpose of the work being performed and working with other Anne Arundel County employees. Examples of Duties and Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential functions of all positions in the class.) Inspects underground water and wastewater utility maintenance job sites to determine the materials required for their crews to perform maintenance activities on the water distribution and wastewater collection systems infrastructure

Orders materials required for maintenance activities on water distribution and wastewater collection systems infrastructure using Anne Arundel County procurement cards, purchase orders and warehouse inventory. Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of maintaining wastewater collection system infrastructure that includes gravity and pressure sewer mains and lateral service connections, grinder pump and septic tank effluent pump (STEP) service connections, underground vaults/manholes and sewer pumping stations (SPS) pipes and valves. Oversees inspects, and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of televising and recording the material condition of internal components of the wastewater collection system infrastructure.

Oversees inspects, and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of grouting sewer lines and manholes. Oversees inspects, and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of cleaning, removing, and disposing of debris and spoils materials from sewer pumping stations (SPS) wet wells and from around underground utilities to facilitate the excavation and repair of water and wastewater infrastructure. Investigates system operation complaints from the wastewater treatment facility team managers.

Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of cleaning wastewater collection infrastructure (main sewer lines and wet wells) utilizing various types of mobile cleaning equipment (vactor trucks, combination high pressure pipe cleaning trucks, rodder trucks). Operates specialized technical equipment involved in the cleaning of sewer pumping station wet wells, televising, recording and/or grouting of wastewater sewer lines. Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of maintaining water distribution system infrastructure that includes water distribution mains and lateral service connections, underground vaults/frames/lids and water booster stations (WBS) pipes and valves.

Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of cleaning water distribution infrastructure (lines, hydrants, valve manholes/frames/lids, etc.) utilizing various types of mobile water distribution system cleaning equipment (combination high pressure pipe cleaning trucks). Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of exercising and testing valves used in water distribution systems and wastewater collections systems utilizing valve trucks with computerized control systems and hydraulic valve turning machinery. Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of the unidirectional flushing of the water distribution systems using test equipment to determine proper pressure and flow and documents the results

Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of fire flow testing of the water distribution systems using test equipment to determine proper pressure and flow and documents the results. Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of the dechlorination of intentionally discharged potable water during unidirectional flushing and fire flow testing operations and the draining of large potable water mains and tanks/reservoirs. Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of installing, repairing and maintaining public fire hydrants.

Oversees the field activities of maintenance crews engaged in troubleshooting and correcting abnormal water distribution system conditions (leaks, loss of inventory, pressure losses, dirty and discolored water and water quality issues). Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of making emergency repairs to water distribution and wastewater collection systems infrastructure. Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of restoring underground water and wastewater utility maintenance sites.

Oversees, inspects and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of installing and/or repairing disturbed storm water sediment control systems effected by their work. Oversees maintenance crews for work safety issues and to ensure they perform their duties in accordance with generally accepted industry practices and comply with Federal, State and County safety regulations. Oversees and participates in the work of maintenance crews engaged in the activities of inspecting and evaluating utility infrastructure components (water meters, water valves, water boxes and fire hydrants) that have been installed or repaired by contractors before the contracted project is approved/accepted.

Oversees and inspects the accomplishment of operator preventive maintenance and minor repairs on assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment Oversees the maintenance of appropriate records and logs on assigned vehicles, tools, and equipment. Determines if an underground water or wastewater utility infrastructure repair or maintenance activity requires a trenching box and/or shoring to comply with safety regulations and construction standards, as required. Determines if an underground water or wastewater utility infrastructure repair or maintenance activity requires a permit required, confined space entry to comply with safety regulations and construction standards, as required.

Determines if an underground water or wastewater utility infrastructure repair or maintenance activity requires traffic control/management to comply with Federal, State and County safety regulations, as required. Determines if excavation operations can be safely conducted at an underground water or wastewater utility infrastructure work site with the locating and markings provided by the MISS UTILITIES call center. Reads engineering and construction drawings (plans, finals and schematics) to determine the alignment, infrastructure and materials used in water distribution and wastewater collection systems.

Investigates complaints from the public received through service requests from the Bureau of Utility Operation's Dispatcher concerning water and wastewater service issues. Confers with superiors on new or revised work methods and procedures; interprets work methods and procedures to subordinates; maintains various work and employee records. Enters and retrieves data from a Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS) used for the asset management of water and wastewater utilities infrastructure using a computer workstation or laptop computer.

Enters and retrieves data from a Graphic Information System (GIS) for the repair and maintenance of water and wastewater utilities infrastructure using a computer workstation or laptop computer. Assists the superintendent in preparing routine and special Planning, Performance and Evaluation (PP&E) reports for assigned crewmembers. Assists the superintendent in interviewing and hiring personnel for responsible business units / work centers, as required.

Provides on-the-job training to employees on the installation, inspection, testing, repair and maintenance of water and wastewater underground utilities infrastructure. Certifies employee proficiency in the installation, inspection, testing, repair and maintenance of water and wastewater underground utilities infrastructure. Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Considerable knowledge (two or more years) of industry accepted practices, materials, tools, equipment and procedures used in the repair, maintenance, and testing of water distribution systems and/or wastewater collections systems. Knowledge (one or more years) of the Federal, State and County safety regulations and construction industry accepted standards for excavation work that requires trenching boxes or shoring at utility infrastructure work sites. Knowledge (one or more years) of the Federal, State and County safety regulations and construction industry accepted standards for work that requires a permit required, confined space entry at utility infrastructure work sites.

Knowledge (one or more years) of the Federal, State and County safety regulations and construction industry accepted standards for work that requires traffic control/management at underground utility infrastructure work sites. Knowledge (one or more years) of the State of Maryland laws and provisions for excavation operations at underground utility infrastructure work sites that have been located and marked by the MISS UTILITIES call center. Knowledge (one or more years) in the operation of special vehicles, power equipment, tools, and testing devices used to maintain and repair water distribution system and wastewater collection system infrastructure.

Knowledge (one or more years) of water hydraulics (flow and pressure) as it pertains to water /distribution and wastewater collections systems. Knowledge (one or more years) of the preventative maintenance requirements and minor repair activities required for the tools, equipment and vehicles routinely used in the repair, maintenance, and testing of water distribution systems and/or wastewater collections systems. Ability to supervise the work of subordinate unskilled and semi-skilled employees performing various maintenance tasks and to appraise the employee's performance.

Ability to provide on-the-job training to lower level skilled workers. Ability to operate and use a combination high pressure pipe cleaning truck, valve truck with computerized control systems, sewer rodder truck, hand rods, blower, gas detector, and various small tools or ability to operate and use a vactor truck, underground utilities television truck with computerized control systems, hand rods, grouting equipment, blower, gas detector, and various small tools Ability to maintain effective public service with a minimum of interruption to public convenience. Ability to read blueprints and schematics used in the maintenance and repair of water distribution system and wastewater collection system infrastructure.

Ability to use computers and relevant software applications in the maintenance and repair of water distribution systems and wastewater collection systems. Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions Ability to read engineering and construction drawings (plans, finals and schematics) to determine the alignment, infrastructure and materials used in water distribution and wastewater collection systems. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, other employees, and the public.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. This position requires the ability to lift manhole covers, pumps, tools and generators weighing in excess of fifty pounds; climb ladders; enter trenches and other hazardous environments. Exposure to wastewater, odors, gases and energized electrical lines is common.

Minimum Qualifications Graduation from high school; two (2) or more years experience in maintenance, repair or construction of water distribution or wastewater collection systems infrastructure; six (6) or more months lead worker experience; a valid State of Maryland Class II wastewater collection system operator's license or a Class I water distribution operator's license; and a valid State of Maryland Commercial Class B motor vehicle operator's license.


What Anne Arundel County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom