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Wastewater Tech Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tetra Tech is seeking a Water/Wastewater Engineer to join our Water team in Houston, Texas. This role offers the opportunity to support municipal water and wastewater infrastructure projects from ...

Wastewater Engineer - EIT

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Must be familiar with water and wastewater treatment processes and technologies to be able to create detailed designs of water/wastewater treatment, pump stations, and collection/distribution systems ...

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Wastewater Tech information

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How much do wastewater tech jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for wastewater tech in the United States is $21.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Wastewater Techs?

Wastewater Techs, or Wastewater Technicians, are professionals responsible for operating and maintaining equipment used to treat and clean wastewater before it is released back into the environment or reused. They monitor water quality, perform routine inspections, collect samples, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Their work helps protect public health and the environment by making sure that contaminants are removed from water produced by homes, businesses, and industries.

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

To thrive as a Wastewater Tech, you need a solid understanding of water treatment processes, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by relevant certifications. Familiarity with SCADA systems, lab testing equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure the safe and efficient operation of wastewater facilities, protect public health, and support regulatory compliance.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

By 2030, some manual and repetitive jobs such as certain wastewater treatment roles may decline due to automation and advanced treatment technologies. Wastewater technicians will increasingly rely on digital tools, sensors, and automation systems, reducing the need for manual labor but emphasizing technical skills. Overall, roles that can be fully automated or replaced by AI are likely to diminish in the future workforce.

Are wastewater jobs in demand?

Wastewater technician jobs are in demand due to ongoing needs for water treatment and environmental compliance. The industry offers stable employment opportunities, especially for those with certifications and skills in operating treatment equipment and understanding environmental regulations.

What are some common challenges that Wastewater Techs face during their daily operations?

Wastewater Techs often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability, troubleshooting unexpected system malfunctions, and ensuring compliance with strict environmental regulations. They may also need to respond quickly to operational emergencies, such as pump failures or chemical imbalances, which require strong problem-solving skills. Collaborating closely with other technicians and supervisors, Wastewater Techs play a crucial role in preventing environmental hazards and ensuring safe, efficient plant operations.

What does a wastewater technician do?

A wastewater technician operates and maintains equipment used in the treatment of sewage and industrial wastewater. They monitor treatment processes, collect samples, perform inspections, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, often working with tools like pumps, valves, and testing devices. Certification and knowledge of safety procedures are typically required for this role.

What is the difference between Wastewater Tech vs Wastewater Operator?

AspectWastewater TechWastewater Operator
CertificationsOften requires a wastewater treatment certification or licenseTypically requires a wastewater operator license or certification
Work EnvironmentAssists in maintenance, sampling, and lab work at treatment plantsOperates and monitors treatment plant equipment and processes
Employer & IndustryPublic utilities, municipal water departments, private treatment facilitiesMunicipalities, industrial plants, water treatment companies

Wastewater Techs and Wastewater Operators share overlapping certifications and work environments, often working together at treatment facilities. The main difference is that Wastewater Techs typically assist with sampling, lab work, and maintenance, while Wastewater Operators focus on operating and controlling treatment processes. Both roles are essential for efficient wastewater treatment and require relevant licenses.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

For wastewater technicians, earning $300,000 annually is uncommon; most roles in this field have lower salaries. High-paying positions in related environmental or engineering fields, such as senior engineers or plant managers, can reach or exceed this level with extensive experience and advanced certifications. Typically, salaries at this level are found in executive or specialized consulting roles rather than entry- or mid-level wastewater technician positions.
More about Wastewater Tech jobs
What states have the most Wastewater Tech jobs? States with the most job openings for Wastewater Tech jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wastewater Tech job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,906 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Civil Engineer, PE - Water-Wastewater

Civil Engineer, PE - Water-Wastewater

Tetra Tech

Seattle, WA • Hybrid

$98K - $140K/yr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Tetra Tech rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

348th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is seeking a Civil Engineer, PE to join our Water team in Seattle, WA, supporting water and wastewater infrastructure projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Position Summary:
This role supports civil engineering design for water and wastewater treatment, pumping, and conveyance systems across the Pacific Northwest. The position includes opportunities to participate in multidisciplinary project delivery, develop project management capabilities, and provide both design and construction-phase support.

Essential Job Functions:
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
    Serve as a design engineer for municipal wastewater and water infrastructure projects, including treatment facilities, pipelines, pumping systems, and collection systems.
    Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams to support design and project execution.
    Lead planning activities, evaluations, and selection of preferred technical alternatives.
    Perform conceptual and detailed design calculations and engineering analyses.
    Prepare engineering reports, drawings, specifications, cost estimates, and related documentation.
    Ensure use of standard engineering practices and appropriate technical documentation.
    Resolve technical questions and support safe, timely, and cost-effective project delivery.
    Provide construction support, including field meetings, submittal reviews, RFIs, and shop drawing evaluations.

Required Qualifications:
    Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil, Environmental, or related Engineering discipline (water/wastewater utility focus preferred).
    Professional Engineer (PE) license in Washington, or ability to obtain by comity within 6 months.
    8+ years of experience in water and wastewater system design, including activated sludge systems (lagoon, oxidation ditch, sequencing batch reactor and/or membrane), pipelines, pumping systems, collection systems, and/or CSO control systems.
    Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
    Ability to perform hydraulic system calculations for pump stations, pressure pipelines, storm and sanitary sewer pipelines, and/or wastewater treatment plants.
    Proficiency in AutoCAD/Civil 3D, word processing, spreadsheets, and scheduling programs.
    Strong project management background (preferred).
    Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
    Interest in business and client development.
    Active membership in PNCWA, APWA, AWWA or similar associations (preferred).
    Ability to travel periodically, approximately 15% or more.

Preferred Qualifications:
    Strong aptitude for client engagement and business development.
    Experience working on multidisciplinary design teams for municipal infrastructure.

Physical Requirements:
    Ability to perform typical office duties with occasional field visits to active project sites.
    Ability to walk on uneven terrain and conduct limited field observations.
    Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds as needed for field activities.

Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
    Work performed in both office and field environments, including exposure to variable weather during site visits.
    Moderate noise levels in office settings; higher noise levels may occur during field observations.
    Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when on project sites.

Additional Information:
    Full-time position based in Seattle, WA, with hybrid flexibility.
    Periodic travel required (approximately 15% or more).
    Salary Range: $98,000-$140,000, depending on experience and skills.

Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
    Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
    Merit-based financial rewards.
    Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
    Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
    Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers 

Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

Additional Information
  • Organization: 200 IEW

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