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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in IA have a median annual salary of $60,990, with 2,370 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $46,880 at the 10th percentile to $76,040 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$60,990

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$29.32

Employment

2,370

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$46,880
10th
$50,300
25th
$60,990
Median
$67,390
75th
$76,040
90th

Local compared with national

IA

$60,990

Median annual · 2025

United States

$60,020

Median annual · 2025

The IA median is 1.6% above the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $970).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operation and ControlImportance 4.0
  2. 2.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.9
  3. 3.MonitoringImportance 3.6
  4. 4.Active ListeningImportance 3.1
  5. 5.SpeakingImportance 3.1
  6. 6.Equipment MaintenanceImportance 3.1
  7. 7.TroubleshootingImportance 3.1
  8. 8.RepairingImportance 3.1
  9. 9.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.1
  10. 10.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  11. 11.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.0
  12. 12.CoordinationImportance 3.0

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Data logging software
  • Database software
  • Geographic information system GIS systems
  • Human machine interface HMI software
  • Material safety data sheet MSDS software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • Operational Data Store ODS software
  • Records management software
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
  • Timekeeping software
  • Wastewater expert control systems

Common tasks

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

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in other locations

Other occupations in IA