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Vactor Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

JARBO

Jet-Vac Operator (CDL)

Pittsburgh, PA

$28 - $35/hr

Preferred Qualifications - Sewer Vactor Operator * CIPP support experience: bypass pumping, pre-/post-CCTV prep, lateral reinstatement assist. * NASSCO PACP, MACP, or LACP certification. * OSHA 10 or ...

JARBO

Jet-Vac Operator (CDL)

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Preferred Qualifications - Sewer Vactor Operator * CIPP support experience: bypass pumping, pre-/post-CCTV prep, lateral reinstatement assist. * NASSCO PACP, MACP, or LACP certification. * OSHA 10 or ...

JARBO

Jet-Vac Operator (CDL)

Pittsburgh, PA

$28 - $35/hr

Preferred Qualifications - Sewer Vactor Operator * CIPP support experience: bypass pumping, pre-/post-CCTV prep, lateral reinstatement assist. * NASSCO PACP, MACP, or LACP certification. * OSHA 10 or ...

All JobsVactor Operator JobsVactor Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania

Vactor Operator information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$14

$23

$33

How much do vactor operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for vactor operator in Pennsylvania is $23.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $25.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vactor operator?

Vactor Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating specialized vacuum trucks, commonly known as Vactor trucks, to clean and maintain sewer lines, storm drains, and catch basins. Their primary duties include removing debris, blockages, and waste materials using high-pressure water and vacuum systems. Vactor Operators play a crucial role in ensuring proper sanitation, preventing flooding, and maintaining the efficient operation of municipal wastewater and drainage systems. They must follow safety protocols and often work in various weather conditions and confined spaces.

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

To thrive as a Vactor Operator, you need a solid understanding of sewer and storm drain systems, a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and experience with heavy equipment operation. Familiarity with Vactor trucks, vacuum excavation tools, and safety protocols is essential, and some employers may require certifications such as OSHA or confined space entry. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team are key soft skills. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and effective maintenance of municipal infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by vactor operators on the job, and how can they be managed?

Vactor Operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined or hazardous environments, dealing with unpredictable weather, and handling heavy equipment safely. Managing these challenges involves adhering strictly to safety protocols, maintaining clear communication with team members, and regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment. Additionally, operators must be adaptable and proactive in troubleshooting unexpected issues, such as equipment blockages or difficult-to-access work sites. Employers typically provide training and personal protective equipment to help operators manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Vactor Operator vs Sewer Cleaner?

AspectVactor OperatorSewer Cleaner
CredentialsDriver's license, CDL often preferredDriver's license, CDL may be required
Work EnvironmentOperate Vactor trucks for sewer and stormwater systemsClean and maintain sewer lines, often using similar equipment
Industry UsageCommonly used in municipal and industrial settingsPrimarily in municipal sewer maintenance
Job FunctionsVacuum and hydro-jet sewer lines, storm drainsClean, inspect, and repair sewer lines

Both Vactor Operators and Sewer Cleaners work in sewer maintenance, often using similar equipment. Vactor Operators typically operate specialized vacuum trucks for a variety of stormwater and sewer tasks, while Sewer Cleaners focus more on cleaning and inspecting sewer lines. The roles overlap in skills and environment but differ slightly in scope and specific duties.

What are popular job titles related to Vactor Operator jobs in Pennsylvania?

For Vactor Operator jobs in Pennsylvania, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Vactor Operator jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Vactor Operator jobs in Pennsylvania are:

Vactor Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Vactor Operator job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 55% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,816 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Jet-Vac Operator (CDL)

JARBO

Pittsburgh, PA

$28 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Operate a sewer jet-vac combination truck on water and sewer collection projects across the Pittsburgh, PA metro. The Sewer Jet-Vac Truck Operator handles high-pressure cleaning, debris recovery, and bypass support for CIPP rehab and routine municipal maintenance. 95% of work is local, with a base hourly rate of $28-$35.

What We Offer

  • Pay range: $28-$35/hr based on experience and endorsements held.
  • Full-time schedule with overtime as needed; 95% local routes — minimal overnight travel.
  • PPE provided, paid training, and a documented advancement path to Crew Lead.
  • Standard benefits package: medical, dental, vision; PTO; retirement.
  • Steady year-round CIPP and municipal work in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Key Responsibilities – Sewer Jet-Vac Truck Operator

  • Operate a jet-vac combination truck for high-pressure sewer cleaning, debris vacuum recovery, and disposal logging. Pre-trip and post-trip the truck daily.
  • Support CIPP lateral and mainline rehab: line cleaning, bypass pumping setup, flow control, and pre-/post-CCTV access prep.
  • Complete utility locates, traffic control, confined-space entries, and atmospheric monitoring per OSHA and site plans.
  • Service truck and pumps: grease/oil, replace high-pressure hoses and fittings, monitor water/vacuum system health, escalate repairs.
  • Document field work on tablet/laptop: footage cleaned, defects flagged, dispose tickets, and QA records.

Qualifications – Sewer Jet-Vac Truck Operator

  • Class B CDL with Tanker AND Air Brakes endorsements (required); clean MVR.
  • 1+ year operating a jet, jet-vac, or vac truck on municipal sewer or stormwater work.
  • Ability to lift 60+ lbs, kneel, crawl, work in confined spaces, and work in all weather.
  • Comfortable with tablets and basic MS Office for field documentation.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications – Sewer Vactor Operator

  • CIPP support experience: bypass pumping, pre-/post-CCTV prep, lateral reinstatement assist.
  • NASSCO PACP, MACP, or LACP certification.
  • OSHA 10 or 30, Confined Space, Flagger, First Aid/CPR.
  • Familiarity with steam-cured and UV-cured CIPP installations.
  • GIS or CMMS field-entry experience (Cityworks, ArcGIS Field Maps, or similar).

Physical Requirements – Sewer Jet-Vac Truck Operator

  • Lift up to 60+ lbs repeatedly; push, pull, and drag hose and fittings.
  • Kneel, crawl, climb, and work in confined spaces (manholes, vaults).
  • Outdoor work in heat, cold, rain, and snow; full PPE required.
  • Long or irregular hours; on-call rotation possible during emergency callouts.
  • Wear respirator and hearing protection as job conditions require.

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