Production & Manufacturing · Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
This profile is intended as career exploration guidance based on federal labor data. Actual job requirements, salaries, and opportunities vary by employer and location.
Entry Salary
$31–38k
First 1–2 years
Peak Salary
$55–65k
10+ years experience
Job Outlook
-6.5% · Declining
Projected decline of -6.5% from 2024 to 2034; about 11 openings projected per year.
Time to Start
1–2 years
College degree typical
Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, employer, and specialization.
Entry-Level Operators
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Experienced Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Senior Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Director of Production & Manufacturing
You prioritize Support
This career is strongly aligned with Support — a core work value that shapes how people approach their career decisions.
You're strong in Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring is a top skill for this career, and it plays to what students like you naturally do best.
Good fit for your timeline
This career typically requires short-term training (less than 1 year), which matches common student preparation goals.
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53 schools offer programs in this career field.
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