Also called: Water Operator, Wastewater Operator
Runs the pumps, tanks and chemical systems that make water safe to drink or clean enough to return to rivers.
You make rounds of the plant checking pumps and tanks, take water samples and test chlorine levels. When a storm floods the plant with extra water, you adjust the flow to keep everything treated.
Approximate May 2024 figures.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. High school plus state operator license, earned through training and experience.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training, 2-year college. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Water Technology (2-year).
Shrinking. BLS projects a decline as plants automate, but retirements create many openings.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Smart sensors and AI controls automate more plant adjustments; licensed operators still run, check and repair the plant around the clock.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply for operator-in-training jobs at city water and wastewater plants
Classes: Chemistry, Biology, Algebra, Environmental science.
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.