Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Hourly Pay
Median hourly wage: $28.86
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $18.80 |
| 25th | $23.10 |
| Median | $28.86 |
| 75th | $35.95 |
| 90th | $43.78 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $28.86; the mean hourly wage is $30.07.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $18.80 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $43.78 per hour.