Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in New York, NY-NJ

In New York-NJ, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have a median annual salary of $82,830, significantly higher than the national median of $58,260. This translates to a median hourly wage of $39.82. When compared to the local area's median household income of $97,334, operators' earnings are slightly lower but still substantial, reflecting their specialized skills and critical role in maintaining essential public services.

Entry-level workers in this field typically earn around the 10th percentile at approximately $49,800 annually, while those with more experience can see salaries reaching up to the 90th percentile of about $99,180. The difference between entry-level and experienced operators is driven by factors such as years of service, level of responsibility, plant size, and geographic location within the New York-NJ area. Experienced operators often handle larger systems or assume supervisory roles, which justifies their higher compensation relative to newcomers in the field.