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Wastewater Lab Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Laboratory Analyst

Lillington, NC ยท On-site

$46K - $77K/yr

Ability to obtain within 18 months a Wastewater Lab Analyst Class 1 for Wastewater Lab or NC Coliform (Total & Fecal) Certification for Drinking Water Lab. Ability to obtain within 18 months an NC ...

Wastewater Lab Technician

Pasco, WA ยท On-site

$76K - $84K/yr

As a Wastewater Lab Technician, you will play a critical role in ensuring the City's wastewater ... strong analytical and technical testing skills, and the ability to foster a culture based on ...

Wastewater Lab Technician

Pasco, WA ยท On-site

$76K - $84K/yr

As a Wastewater Lab Technician, you will play a critical role in ensuring the City's wastewater ... laboratory analysis, maintain quality assurance and control standards, and help ensure ...

Analyzing wastewater samples for Total Suspended Solids, Fecal Coliform, Ammonia, pH, Biochemical Oxygen Demand and a variety of other tests * Analyzing solid samples for %TS and %VS * Collecting air ...

WWTP Lab Tech

Kings Mountain, NC ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

WWTP Lab Tech Location: Kings Mountain, North Carolina Department: Water Resources Job Type ... This position is responsible for collecting and analyzing wastewater samples, maintaining ...

WWTP Lab Tech

Kings Mountain, NC ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

WWTP Lab Tech Location: Kings Mountain, North Carolina Department: Water Resources Job Type ... This position is responsible for collecting and analyzing wastewater samples, maintaining ...

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Mb Staffing Services is seeking an experienced Laboratory Analyst with direct wastewater laboratory testing experience to support critical environmental and public health operations. Important: This ...

UTILITY LAB LEVEL II

Bernalillo, NM ยท On-site

$28.21 - $31.73/hr

The Utility Lab Level II will be responsible for lab data entry water and will assist the Utility ... Collection, analyses and preservation of water and wastewater samples for chemical and biological ...

The Utility Lab Level II will be responsible for lab data entry water and will assist the Utility ... Collection, analyses and preservation of water and wastewater samples for chemical and biological ...

INDUSTRIAL MONITORING MANAGER

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$77K - $138K/yr

Must possess and maintain a valid Wastewater Lab Analyst License, Class III Wastewater Operator's License, and Pretreatment Facility Inspector Certification. Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities:

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Wastewater Lab Analyst information

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How much do wastewater lab analyst jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater lab analyst in the United States is $27.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do lab analysts earn?

Wastewater lab analysts typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced analysts with specialized skills can earn higher salaries. The role often requires knowledge of laboratory testing procedures and the use of analytical instruments.

How to become a water lab tech?

To become a wastewater lab analyst, typically a high school diploma or equivalent is required, followed by post-secondary education such as an associate's degree in environmental science, chemistry, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of laboratory procedures, safety protocols, and experience with testing equipment; obtaining certifications like the EPA-certified laboratory analyst credential can also improve job prospects.

Are wastewater jobs in demand?

Wastewater Lab Analyst positions are in demand due to ongoing needs for water quality testing and environmental compliance. The role often requires knowledge of laboratory techniques, certifications, and familiarity with regulatory standards, contributing to steady employment opportunities in the environmental services sector.

What are Wastewater Lab Analysts?

Wastewater Lab Analysts are professionals responsible for testing and analyzing water samples from wastewater treatment plants to ensure that they meet environmental and safety standards. They perform chemical, biological, and physical tests to monitor pollutants, bacteria, and other contaminants. Their work helps prevent environmental pollution and ensures compliance with government regulations. Wastewater Lab Analysts also prepare detailed reports and maintain laboratory equipment. Their role is essential to protecting public health and the environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a Wastewater Lab Analyst, and how can they be overcome?

Wastewater Lab Analysts often face challenges such as handling hazardous samples, maintaining strict quality control, and managing time-sensitive testing schedules. Staying organized and adhering to standard operating procedures are crucial for ensuring accurate results. Collaborating closely with plant operators and other lab staff helps troubleshoot issues and maintain safety standards. Continuous training and keeping up-to-date with regulatory requirements can also help analysts overcome these challenges and ensure high-quality work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wastewater Lab Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wastewater Lab Analyst, you need a solid background in chemistry or environmental science, laboratory techniques, and often an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field. Proficiency with analytical instruments such as spectrophotometers, pH meters, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS), as well as relevant certifications like Certified Wastewater Laboratory Analyst, is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for accurate testing and reporting. These skills and qualifications ensure regulatory compliance, public health protection, and reliable wastewater treatment operations.

What is the difference between Wastewater Lab Analyst vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWastewater Lab AnalystWater Quality Technician
CertificationsOften requires EPA certifications, lab certificationsMay require state-specific water testing certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, wastewater treatment plantsFieldwork at water sources, treatment facilities
Job FocusAnalyzing wastewater samples for contaminantsMonitoring water quality in natural and treated water sources

Both roles involve water testing and require similar certifications, but Wastewater Lab Analysts primarily work in labs analyzing wastewater, while Water Quality Technicians focus on field sampling and monitoring water sources. The choice depends on whether you prefer lab-based analysis or fieldwork in water environments.

What is the highest-paying career in a laboratory?

In laboratory settings, senior roles such as Laboratory Manager or Quality Control Director tend to have the highest salaries. For wastewater lab analysts, advancing to supervisory or specialized positions with additional certifications can lead to higher pay. Generally, management and specialized roles in labs offer the highest compensation.
More about Wastewater Lab Analyst jobs
What cities are hiring for Wastewater Lab Analyst jobs? Cities with the most Wastewater Lab Analyst job openings:
What states have the most Wastewater Lab Analyst jobs? States with the most job openings for Wastewater Lab Analyst jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wastewater Lab Analyst job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,166 per year, or $27.5 per hour.
Assistant Laboratory Analyst

Assistant Laboratory Analyst

Harnett County

Lillington, NC โ€ข On-site

$46K - $77K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY An employee in this position assists with the daily laboratory operations including water/wastewater sample collection, laboratory testing and analyses, water quality and treatment plant process control investigations and assist with laboratory research projects for Harnett Regional Water. This includes: the assigned duties of assistance maintaining state certification of your assigned laboratory unit; a variety of field and laboratory activities; and supporting process control and water quality monitoring. Hiring Salary: $46,834.00 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION: Assist the Laboratory Analyst in the performance of analytical and operational activities of laboratory programs; assist with providing water treatment plant process control and distribution system water quality monitoring; assist with water/wastewater NPDES Permit monitoring program; assist with wastewater treatment plant process control, bio-solids and pretreatment program

Follows assigned schedules and methods of laboratory operations and proper implementation of procedures and policies. Assist with writing or updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the laboratory procedure manual. Facilitates the daily sampling and testing of treatment process and presents those results for interpretation by Laboratory Analyst.

Must be able to drive and operate a vehicle to travel as needed. Ability to perform in-house analyst or collect samples for certified chemical and/or biological test required for the EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). Assist with budget preparation and monitoring of laboratory operational materials and supplies.

Provides assistance in the quality assurance/quality control program to maintain operational standards. Inputs laboratory results in the Water Information Management System (WIMS) to keep operational results current in this database. Maintains laboratory equipment; calibrates instrumentation and performs minor repairs.

Perform other related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: Possession of High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate. One (1) year of operations or laboratory experience in water or wastewater treatment Or equivalent experience.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license. Ability to obtain within 18 months a Wastewater Lab Analyst Class 1 for Wastewater Lab or NC Coliform (Total & Fecal) Certification for Drinking Water Lab. Ability to obtain within 18 months an NC Physical/Chemical Certificate.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: Knowledge of principles and methods used in chemical, bacteriological and physical analyses. Ability to learn and interpret State/Federal laws and regulations and water/wastewater standards relating to the operations of an environmental laboratory. Knowledge of sampling techniques and testing procedures.

Ability to learn and apply methods and processes of water and/or wastewater treatment, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, and inorganic chemistry. Knowledge of safe laboratory practices and procedures. Skill in utilizing equipment used in laboratory analysis.

Skill in communicating, both verbally and written. Ability to maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Ability to use independent judgement.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to perform light work frequently exerting up to 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects; and occasionally requiring exerting up to 20 pounds of force to move objects. This work also involves the physical abilities of grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, lifting, having manual dexterity, using mental ability, speaking, standing, expressing ideas by the spoken word, and walking. Must possess the visual acuity to analyze data, work with color, determine accuracy, operate computer and lab equipment and inspect defects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The employee is subject to hazards associated with water, wastewater and chemical work including exposure to electrical current, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mist, gases and poor ventilation. The employee may be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or use respirator. Wastewater work is also subject to the OSHA bloodborne pathogens standard.