California pays water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators more than any other state — its $82,100 median leads all 50 states and D.C. reporting wage data.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $52,510 to $123,870 — a $71,360 spread, 48% wider than the national $48,290 range.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are less concentrated in California than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.76 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.32× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $52,510 | $25.24 |
| 25th percentile | $64,850 | $31.18 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $82,100 | $39.47 |
| 75th percentile | $102,510 | $49.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $123,870 | $59.55 |
| Mean (average) | $86,500 | $41.59 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $82,100 | n/a |
| Nevada | $79,140 | -4% |
| Washington | $78,810 | -4% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | -6% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | -8% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | -9% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | -14% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | -17% |
| New Hampshire | $66,240 | -19% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $81,860 | 3,420 |
| Human Resources Specialists | $81,810 | 104,880 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $81,490 | 31,070 |
| Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $81,240 | 6,650 |
| Surgical Technologists | $81,120 | 10,570 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers | $80,970 | 19,310 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in California?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in California is $86,500 per year. The median (middle) salary is $82,100 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $52,510 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $64,850 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $123,870 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $102,510 per year.
How does the California 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 California is $82,100, which is +41% above national average of $58,260.