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Treatment Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pae

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$37.80/hr

DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 25210 WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR description from the Service Contract Act (SCA) Dictionary of Occupations (DOT): Controls treatment plant machines and equipment to ...

County of Dare

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Manteo, NC · On-site

$49K - $64K/yr

Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator or Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Job Duties Performs daily inspections of plants for proper operation ...

City of Seattle

Water Treatment Plant Operator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$49.25 - $57.31/hr

Position Description Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) seeks a skilled and motivated Water Treatment Plant Operator to help ensure the reliable delivery of safe, high-quality drinking water to Seattle ...

Government of the Virgin Islands

$39K/yr

Under supervision (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator I), general supervision (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator m, or direction (Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Ill), performs a variety of ...

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Treatment Plant Operator information

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$30.5K

$53K

$85.5K

How much do treatment plant operator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for treatment plant operator in the United States is $52,962.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a treatment plant operator do?

A Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for managing the daily operations of water or wastewater treatment plants. Their main duties include monitoring and adjusting equipment, conducting tests to ensure water quality meets safety standards, and performing routine maintenance on machinery. They help ensure that treated water is safe for public use or that wastewater is properly treated before being released into the environment. Treatment Plant Operators play a critical role in protecting public health and the environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a treatment plant operator, and why are they important?

A Treatment Plant Operator needs a solid understanding of water or wastewater treatment processes, basic chemistry, and mechanical aptitude, typically backed by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant state certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, laboratory testing equipment, and maintenance tools is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this position. These skills ensure the safe and efficient operation of treatment facilities, regulatory compliance, and protection of public health and the environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by treatment plant operators in ensuring regulatory compliance?

Treatment Plant Operators often encounter challenges related to maintaining compliance with strict environmental and safety regulations. These may include staying updated with changing standards, accurately monitoring water quality, and ensuring proper documentation of all procedures. Operators must be vigilant in detecting and responding to equipment malfunctions or process deviations to avoid violations. Team communication and ongoing training are essential to successfully meet compliance requirements and maintain public safety.

What is the difference between Treatment Plant Operator vs Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectTreatment Plant OperatorWastewater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires state-specific licenses or certificationsOften requires similar wastewater treatment certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates in water treatment facilities, handling drinking water or industrial waterWorks primarily in wastewater treatment plants managing sewage and wastewater
Industry UsageUsed in municipal, industrial, and environmental sectorsPrimarily in municipal sewage and wastewater management

Both roles involve operating and maintaining water or wastewater treatment systems, often requiring similar certifications and working in treatment facilities. The main difference lies in the focus: Treatment Plant Operators may handle drinking water or industrial water, while Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators specialize in sewage and wastewater treatment. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How much do water treatment plant operators make in the US?

Water treatment plant operators in the US typically earn a median annual wage of around $50,000 to $55,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and certifications, with some operators earning over $70,000 annually in higher-paying regions or with advanced skills.

Is a water treatment plant operator a hard job?

A water treatment plant operator's job involves monitoring and maintaining water treatment processes, which requires attention to detail, technical skills, and adherence to safety protocols. The work can be physically demanding and often involves shift work, but proper training and certifications can help manage the job's challenges.

Where do water treatment plant operators make the most money?

Water treatment plant operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for skilled workers, such as urban areas or states with strong environmental regulations. Factors like experience, certifications, and the complexity of the treatment systems also influence earning potential.

What cities are hiring for Treatment Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Treatment Plant Operator job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Treatment Plant Operator jobs?

The top employers for Treatment Plant Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Treatment Plant Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Treatment Plant Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Treatment Plant Operator jobs?

For Treatment Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Treatment Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Treatment Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,962 per year, or $25.5 per hour.

(Hot Jobs) TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE

Mobile Civil Service

Mobile, AL • On-site

$41K - $66K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

General Information This is entry level maintenance and repair work requiring the completion of increasingly more skilled tasks in the operation of a water or wastewater treatment plant and related facilities on an assigned shift while training to perform at the level of Treatment Plant Operator I. Jurisdictions Yearly Rate Mobile Area Water and Sewer Systems $41,470 - $66,296 Prichard Water Works and Sewer Board $35,759 - $57,167 Saraland Water and Sewer Board $43,569 - $69,652 Utilities Board of Bayou La Batre $38,509 - $61,562 City of Satsuma Water and Sewer Board $32,414 - $51,818 Applicants must pass an examination in order to qualify for this position. To prepare for the required Treatment Plant Operator Trainee computer-based test, applicants should download, save and/or print the Treatment Plant Operator Trainee Study Guide now.

Details regarding the examination will be emailed to candidates who meet the requirements set out below. Requirements Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from a standard senior high school, or the successful completion of the General Educational Development (GED) test. Description For details, please see Class Specifications | TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR TRAINEE | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com) Important Information All applications should be submitted online through the Mobile Civil Service Job Opportunities page

Paper notifications are not available; therefore, "email" should be selected. Accuracy and truthfulness are of primary importance for Civil Service System employment, and all applications are reviewed with this in mind. If needed, computers are available in our office at 1809 Government Street, Mobile, AL.

Our office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday, except for holidays. A person with a disability may request accommodation by contacting the Mobile Civil Service at 251-470-7727. Adam Bourne, Civil Service Director The agencies we serve are equal opportunity employers.

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