Occupations51-8031.00

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

Median annual pay
$58,260

BLS, 2024

Employment
132,400

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
-6.5%

2024–34

Annual openings
10,700

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
  2. 02Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
  3. 03Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
  4. 04Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
  5. 05Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
  6. 06Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
  7. 07Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
  8. 08Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.

Capabilities

Essential skills

MonitoringActive ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingMathematicsWritingActive LearningLearning StrategiesScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 132,400 in 2024 to 123,800 in 2034, a -6.5% change.

BLS projects an average of 10,700 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.