Kentucky ranks 44th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $34,400 — a 72% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $33,730 to $62,710 — a $28,980 spread, 40% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in Kentucky than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.92 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.92× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $33,730 | $16.22 |
| 25th percentile | $38,170 | $18.35 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $47,700 | $22.93 |
| 75th percentile | $57,730 | $27.75 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,710 | $30.15 |
| Mean (average) | $48,910 | $23.52 |
How Kentucky Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Kentucky |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky (current) | $47,700 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +72% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +66% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +65% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +61% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +58% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +56% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +48% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +43% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Kentucky
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary | $47,680 | 1,010 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | $47,730 | 1,580 |
| Paramedics | $47,650 | 2,060 |
| Roofers | $47,620 | 1,080 |
| Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks | $47,560 | 2,750 |
| Travel Agents | $47,850 | 250 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Kentucky?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Kentucky is $48,910 per year. The median (middle) salary is $47,700 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Kentucky?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Kentucky typically earn around $33,730 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $38,170 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Kentucky?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Kentucky make approximately $62,710 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $57,730 per year.
How does the Kentucky 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 Kentucky is $47,700, which is -18% below national average of $58,260.