Arkansas ranks 50th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $43,790 — a 114% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $29,060 to $58,930 — a $29,870 spread, 38% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in Arkansas than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 2.11 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.11× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $29,060 | $13.97 |
| 25th percentile | $34,770 | $16.72 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $38,310 | $18.42 |
| 75th percentile | $47,700 | $22.93 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $58,930 | $28.33 |
| Mean (average) | $42,130 | $20.26 |
How Arkansas Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (current) | $38,310 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +114% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +107% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +106% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +101% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +96% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +94% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +84% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +78% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Arkansas
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Advisors | $38,340 | 860 |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | $38,390 | 610 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $38,420 | 910 |
| Real Estate Sales Agents | $38,450 | 1,630 |
| Highway Maintenance Workers | $38,070 | 1,190 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $38,620 | 210 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Arkansas?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Arkansas is $42,130 per year. The median (middle) salary is $38,310 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Arkansas?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Arkansas typically earn around $29,060 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $34,770 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Arkansas?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Arkansas make approximately $58,930 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $47,700 per year.
How does the Arkansas 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 Arkansas is $38,310, which is -34% below national average of $58,260.