Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Southwestern Pennsylvania

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Southwestern Pennsylvania nonmetropolitan area

Median annual salary $52,790 -9.4% vs national
Median hourly $25.38
10th percentile $39,840
90th percentile $76,290
Employed locally 150
National median $58,260

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

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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $39,840
    25th
    $47,910
    50th (median)
    $52,790
    75th
    $61,610
    90th
    $76,290

    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 Southwestern Pennsylvania

    OccupationMedian salary
    Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$47,140
    Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$50,030
    Machinists$55,150
    First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$66,740
    Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$40,830
    Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$48,400

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make per hour in Southwestern Pennsylvania?

    The median hourly wage for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Southwestern Pennsylvania is $25.38, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $36.60 or more per hour.

    Is Southwestern Pennsylvania 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 Southwestern Pennsylvania is 9.4% 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 Southwestern Pennsylvania?

    Entry-level Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators (10th percentile) earn around $39,840 per year in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $47,910.