Alabama ranks 41st of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $33,370 — a 68% gap.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in Alabama than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.71 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.71× the national share.
Alabama employs roughly 2.3% of all water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in the country (2,950 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,900 | $15.34 |
| 25th percentile | $37,970 | $18.26 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $48,730 | $23.43 |
| 75th percentile | $60,230 | $28.96 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,350 | $36.71 |
| Mean (average) | $50,810 | $24.43 |
How Alabama Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Alabama |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama (current) | $48,730 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +68% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +62% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +62% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +58% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +54% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +53% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +45% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +40% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Alabama
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | $48,730 | 2,150 |
| Real Estate Sales Agents | $48,740 | 1,880 |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $48,750 | 490 |
| Travel Agents | $48,650 | 510 |
| Brickmasons and Blockmasons | $48,820 | 380 |
| Computer User Support Specialists | $48,860 | 7,430 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Alabama?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Alabama is $50,810 per year. The median (middle) salary is $48,730 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Alabama?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Alabama typically earn around $31,900 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $37,970 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Alabama?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Alabama make approximately $76,350 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $60,230 per year.
How does the Alabama Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary compare to the national average?
The median water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Alabama is $48,730, which is -16% below national average of $58,260.