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Wet Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Plant Operator operates and monitors wet plant equipment, assisting with process control, and ensuring safe and efficient operation under close supervision. U.S. Silica is a leading producer of ...

Dry Plant Groundman

Houston, TX · On-site

$1K - $1K/wk

Dry Plant Groundman Dry plant groundmen are mainly responsible for assisting Dry plant leads and operators with various task to ensure safe and efficient operation of the wet plant. Wet plant ...

Dry Plant Groundman

Houston, TX

$1K - $1K/wk

Dry Plant Groundman Dry plant groundmen are mainly responsible for assisting Dry plant leads and operators with various task to ensure safe and efficient operation of the wet plant. Wet plant ...

Arcosa Aggregates is seeking a Plant Operator based out of our Kopperl, Texas plant. In this role ... heat, cold, wet, dry, and dusty. Ability to lift 60lbs. Benefits Arcosa is proud to offer ...

Arcosa Aggregates is seeking a Plant Operator based out of our Kopperl, Texas plant. In this role ... heat, cold, wet, dry, and dusty. Ability to lift 60lbs. Benefits Arcosa is proud to offer ...

R10090210 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Yazoo City, MS (N2O) - N2O primary production How will ... The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and ...

R10090210 Plant Operator (Open) Location: Yazoo City, MS (N2O) - N2O primary production How will ... The employee occasionally works in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and ...

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Wet Plant Operator information

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$13

$22

$39

How much do wet plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for wet plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest salary for a plant operator?

The highest salaries for wet plant operators can reach around $80,000 to $100,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or certifications in industries like water treatment or power generation. Salaries vary based on location, employer, and level of responsibility, with overtime and shift differentials often increasing total compensation.

How much do wastewater operators make?

Wastewater operators, including Wet Plant Operators, in Alabama typically earn an average annual salary of around $40,000 to $55,000. Salaries can vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific facility, with some operators earning higher with advanced skills or supervisory roles.

How much does a plant waterer make?

A Wet Plant Operator typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the plant. The role often requires knowledge of water treatment processes and operation of related equipment, with some positions offering overtime or shift differentials.

What is the difference between Wet Plant Operator vs Pump Operator?

AspectWet Plant OperatorPump Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma and relevant certificationsOften requires similar certifications, such as a CDL or specific pump operation licenses
Work EnvironmentOperates in water treatment or processing plants, handling liquids and chemicalsWorks with pumps in various settings like water, oil, or chemical plants
Industry UsageCommonly employed in water treatment, wastewater, and industrial processingUsed across water, oil, gas, and chemical industries

The Wet Plant Operator and Pump Operator roles share similar credentials and work environments, often overlapping in industries like water treatment and chemical processing. While Wet Plant Operators focus on managing entire processing systems, Pump Operators primarily control and maintain pump equipment. Both roles are essential for fluid handling operations and require technical skills, making them closely related in the industrial sector.

Where do wastewater operators make the most money?

Wastewater operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and more industrial activity, such as urban areas or states with strong environmental regulations. Salaries can also increase with experience, certifications, and working in specialized or high-demand facilities.

What are some common challenges faced by Wet Plant Operators and how can they be addressed?

Wet Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining consistent production quality while handling complex machinery and responding to unexpected equipment malfunctions. Effective troubleshooting skills and strong attention to detail are crucial for quickly identifying and resolving issues to minimize downtime. Additionally, operators must adhere to strict safety and environmental protocols, which requires ongoing training and clear communication with team members. Building good relationships with maintenance staff and other operators can help foster a collaborative environment where challenges are addressed efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wet Plant Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wet Plant Operator, you typically need a high school diploma or GED, mechanical aptitude, and experience with plant operations or manufacturing processes. Familiarity with plant control systems, pumps, conveyors, and safety protocols is important, and certifications such as OSHA safety training are often preferred. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills set top operators apart in monitoring equipment and responding to issues. These competencies ensure the efficient, safe, and continuous operation of wet plant facilities, directly impacting production quality and workplace safety.

What are Wet Plant Operators?

Wet Plant Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the operation of wet processing plants, which are commonly used in industries such as mining, mineral processing, and wastewater treatment. Their duties include monitoring and controlling equipment that separates materials using water, ensuring efficient production, and maintaining safety and environmental standards. They often perform regular inspections, troubleshoot issues, and adjust machinery to optimize performance. Wet Plant Operators play a crucial role in maintaining product quality and minimizing downtime. They typically work in shifts and may be required to operate heavy machinery in challenging conditions.
More about Wet Plant Operator jobs
What states have the most Wet Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Wet Plant Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wet Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

$21 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Line of Business: Aggregates

About Us
Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's largest suppliers of building materials. Heidelberg Materials North America operates over 450 locations across the U.S. and Canada with approximately 9,000 employees.
 

What You'll Be Doing

  • Operate and monitor wet plant production equipment to maintain safe, efficient material processing.
  • Perform routine inspections and make equipment adjustments to optimize performance.
  • Conduct basic troubleshooting and communicate maintenance needs promptly.
  • Follow established safety procedures and contribute to a safe working environment.
  • Support continuous improvement efforts by identifying opportunities for operational efficiency.
     

What We Are Looking For

  • Ability to safely operate and monitor industrial or mechanical equipment.
  • Strong problem‑solving skills and comfort working in a fast‑paced production setting.
  • Capacity to follow procedures, prioritize tasks, and maintain attention to detail.
  • Commitment to teamwork, communication, and a safety‑first mindset.
  • Willingness to learn new processes, tools, and plant systems.
     

Conditions of Employment

  • Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check.
  • Some positions require FMCSA regulated ongoing drug and alcohol testing.
     

Work Environment

  • Role operates primarily in environments where the conditions include moving mechanical equipment, inclement weather, heat, cold, humidity, and elevated noise level.
     

What We Offer

  • $21.00 to $25.00 per hour
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with an automatic company contribution as well as matching contributions
  • Highly competitive benefits programs, including:
    • Medical, Dental, and Vision along with Prescription Drug Benefits
    • Health Saving Savings Account (HSA), Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
    • AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability Coverage as well as Basic Life Insurance
    • Paid Bonding Leave, 10 days of Paid Vacation, 40 hours of Paid Sick Leave and 10 Paid Holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority / Female / Veteran / Disabled

As part of our hiring process, we may use AI-assisted tools to support the screening and evaluation of candidate applications and interviews. These tools help streamline the initial assessment, but all decisions about candidate advancement are made by human recruiters and hiring managers. While technology supports early steps, every interview will be handled by experienced recruiters and hiring managers to provide a personal touch.