Also called: Wastewater Operator, Water Reclamation Operator
Runs the plant that cleans sewage so it can safely return to rivers, or even be recycled into drinking water.
You check tanks full of helpful bacteria that eat waste, adjust air blowers, test water before it leaves the plant, and occasionally deal with things people should never flush.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma plus state operator license.
Ways in: On-the-job training, Certification, 2-year college. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Water Quality Technology (2-year).
Shrinking (about -4% over 10 years). Many current operators are near retirement, so job openings are strong even though BLS projects slight declines.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Automation and remote monitoring trim staff, but licensed operators still run the plant and fix problems.
Classes: Chemistry, Biology, Algebra.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-8031.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.