To start a career as a water operator, you need additional training after high school to earn the necessary qualifications. You can attend a one-year vocational certificate program or a two-year associate degree program at a community college. Additionally, you need to pass exams to get state certification to work as a water operator. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires certification to make sure drinking water operators and water treatment facilities comply with the Clean Water Act (CWA). You use data analysis skills and mechanical knowledge every day that you work as a water operator.

If you are interested in a job related to Water Operator, here are some popular related job searches with the most open positions on ZipRecruiter.

Top Types Of Water Operator Jobs

List of the top 10 highest paying Water Operator positions in 2026, with salary ranges, according to ZipRecruiter.

Water Treatment Plant Foreman
Salary range: $67,000 - $98,500
Water Treatment Plant Foreman is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Water Treatment Plant Foreman jobs pay between $67,000 (25th percentile) and $98,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Water Treatment Plant Foreman job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Water Pump Operator
Salary range: $40,000 - $62,000
Water Pump Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Water Pump Operator jobs pay between $40,000 (25th percentile) and $62,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Water Pump Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Entry Level Nalco Water Treatment
Salary range: $41,000 - $58,500
Entry Level Nalco Water Treatment is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Entry Level Nalco Water Treatment jobs pay between $41,000 (25th percentile) and $58,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Nalco Water Treatment job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Remote Water Treatment Plant Operator
Salary range: $44,000 - $66,000
Remote Water Treatment Plant Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Remote Water Treatment Plant Operator jobs pay between $44,000 (25th percentile) and $66,000 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Remote Water Treatment Plant Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Entry Level Water Operator
Salary range: $32,500 - $39,500
Entry Level Water Operator is a typical job search query Most salaries for Entry Level Water Operator jobs pay between $32,500 (25th percentile) and $39,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Entry Level Water Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Water Treatment Plant Supervisor
Salary range: $67,000 - $98,500
Water Treatment Plant Supervisor is a typical job search query Most salaries for Water Treatment Plant Supervisor jobs pay between $67,000 (25th percentile) and $98,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Water Treatment Plant Supervisor job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Traveling Water Treatment Operator
Salary range: $40,500 - $68,500
Traveling Water Treatment Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Traveling Water Treatment Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $68,500 (75th percentile) annually. You’ll find many open positions nationwide for Traveling Water Treatment Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter.
Remote Water Treatment Operator
Salary range: $40,500 - $68,500
Remote Water Treatment Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Remote Water Treatment Operator jobs pay between $40,500 (25th percentile) and $68,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Remote Water Treatment Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Class C Water Water Operator
Salary range: $43,000 - $63,000
Class C Water Water Operator is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Class C Water Water Operator jobs pay between $43,000 (25th percentile) and $63,000 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Class C Water Water Operator job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.
Work From Home Water Treatment
Salary range: $41,000 - $58,500
Work From Home Water Treatment is a more unusual job search query but still may give you interesting job results. Most salaries for Work From Home Water Treatment jobs pay between $41,000 (25th percentile) and $58,500 (75th percentile) annually. Currently, there are not many open positions nationwide for Work From Home Water Treatment job searches hiring now on ZipRecruiter. You can take a look at what is available and find similar job searches in this list.

All Jobs Water Operator Jobs 10 of the Most Popular Types of Water Operator Jobs in 2026