Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Northeast Iowa

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Northeast Iowa nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $50,400 -13.5% vs national
Median hourly $24.23
10th percentile $47,420
90th percentile $69,350
Employed locally 320
National median $58,260

Compare Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary & buying power

Type a city below to see how Northeast Iowa stacks up on salary and cost of living.

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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $47,420
    25th
    $48,020
    50th (median)
    $50,400
    75th
    $59,730
    90th
    $69,350

    Top-paying metros for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $123,390
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $106,440
    Vallejo, CA $101,670
    Napa, CA $99,450
    Fairbanks-College, AK $91,010
    Salinas, CA $90,610

    Related occupations in Northeast Iowa

    OccupationMedian salary
    Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$44,680
    Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$49,140
    Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$56,030
    First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$65,740
    Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$39,820
    Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$48,250

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make per hour in Northeast Iowa?

    The median hourly wage for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Northeast Iowa is $24.23, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $33.42 or more per hour.

    Is Northeast Iowa above or below average for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salaries?

    The median Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Northeast Iowa is 13.5% below the national median of $58,260. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Northeast Iowa?

    Entry-level Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators (10th percentile) earn around $47,420 per year in Northeast Iowa. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $48,020.