Iowa ranks 22nd of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $22,700 — a 38% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $45,650 to $73,960 — a $28,310 spread, 41% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in Iowa than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.91 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.91× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $45,650 | $21.95 |
| 25th percentile | $48,510 | $23.32 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,400 | $28.56 |
| 75th percentile | $65,330 | $31.41 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,960 | $35.56 |
| Mean (average) | $58,580 | $28.16 |
How Iowa Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | $59,400 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +38% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +33% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +33% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +29% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +27% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +25% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +19% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +15% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Iowa
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $59,420 | 910 |
| Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | $59,440 | 4,460 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $59,460 | 5,520 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $59,490 | 3,990 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $59,490 | 2,980 |
| Special Education Teachers, Middle School | $59,490 | 1,050 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Iowa?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Iowa is $58,580 per year. The median (middle) salary is $59,400 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Iowa typically earn around $45,650 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,510 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Iowa?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Iowa make approximately $73,960 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $65,330 per year.
How does the Iowa 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 Iowa is $59,400, which is +2% above national average of $58,260.