Arizona ranks 17th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $20,620 — a 34% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $40,170 to $77,450 — a $37,280 spread, 23% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in Arizona than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.32 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.32× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $40,170 | $19.31 |
| 25th percentile | $48,290 | $23.22 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $61,480 | $29.56 |
| 75th percentile | $65,560 | $31.52 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,450 | $37.23 |
| Mean (average) | $58,490 | $28.12 |
How Arizona Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Arizona |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona (current) | $61,480 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +34% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +29% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +28% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +25% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +22% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +21% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +15% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +11% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Arizona
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $61,460 | 2,600 |
| Editors | $61,530 | 1,090 |
| Postal Service Clerks | $61,630 | 1,230 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $61,270 | 10,650 |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $61,240 | 14,170 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $61,220 | 6,780 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Arizona?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Arizona is $58,490 per year. The median (middle) salary is $61,480 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Arizona?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Arizona typically earn around $40,170 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,290 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Arizona?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Arizona make approximately $77,450 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $65,560 per year.
How does the Arizona 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 Arizona is $61,480, which is +6% above national average of $58,260.