Colorado ranks 8th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $13,880 — a 20% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $48,440 to $89,910 — a $41,470 spread, 14% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Colorado employs roughly 1.9% of all water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in the country (2,410 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $48,440 | $23.29 |
| 25th percentile | $58,110 | $27.94 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $68,220 | $32.80 |
| 75th percentile | $80,330 | $38.62 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $89,910 | $43.23 |
| Mean (average) | $69,130 | $33.24 |
How Colorado Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado (current) | $68,220 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +20% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +16% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +16% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +13% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +10% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +9% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +3% |
| New Hampshire | $66,240 | -3% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Colorado
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | $68,590 | 3,790 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $67,480 | 5,030 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $69,580 | 5,530 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $66,770 | 2,280 |
| Interpreters and Translators | $66,590 | 890 |
| Health Education Specialists | $69,890 | 920 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Colorado?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Colorado is $69,130 per year. The median (middle) salary is $68,220 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Colorado?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Colorado typically earn around $48,440 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $58,110 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Colorado?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Colorado make approximately $89,910 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $80,330 per year.
How does the Colorado 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 Colorado is $68,220, which is +17% above national average of $58,260.