Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Production
Operate control boards and related equipment to clarify water, process sewage, and keep treatment moving. Samples are collected and tested with test equipment and color standards, then chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, or lime are added to disinfect or deodorize. Meters and gauges are watched for load and faults; tanks, filter beds, and machinery are cleaned, lubricated, and repaired with hand and power tools. Some operators also direct plant workers on routine upkeep. Fits those who like mixing sample testing with mechanical maintenance and keeping a whole treatment system in view.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$60'020
Median Wage Market Position
$60'020
What you might do
- Adjust controls to purify water or treat sewage
- Collect and test water and sewage samples
- Add chlorine, lime, or ammonia as needed
- Read meters to judge load and spot faults
- Clean tanks, filter beds, and work areas
- Repair and lubricate treatment plant equipment
Skills that matter
- Operating controls that treat water and sewage
- Collecting and testing water samples
- Adding chlorine, ammonia, or lime
- Watching meters for load and faults
- Repairing and lubricating plant equipment
- Directing workers on operations and upkeep
AI & the future of this role
Much of the day involves on-site equipment checks and process adjustments that keep water safe for communities. Software may flag anomalies and optimize settings, but licensed operators still handle physical systems, emergency response, and regulatory accountability.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details