Montana ranks 21st of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $22,140 — a 37% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $43,870 to $78,860 — a $34,990 spread, 28% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in Montana than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.64 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.64× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $43,870 | $21.09 |
| 25th percentile | $48,630 | $23.38 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,960 | $28.83 |
| 75th percentile | $65,590 | $31.54 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $78,860 | $37.91 |
| Mean (average) | $60,310 | $29.00 |
How Montana Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Montana (current) | $59,960 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +37% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +32% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +31% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +28% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +24% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +18% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +14% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Montana
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $59,960 | 430 |
| Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School | $59,970 | 320 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $59,900 | 1,180 |
| Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants | $60,050 | 490 |
| Chemists | $60,100 | 260 |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | $60,130 | 3,610 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Montana?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Montana is $60,310 per year. The median (middle) salary is $59,960 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Montana?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Montana typically earn around $43,870 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,630 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Montana?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Montana make approximately $78,860 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $65,590 per year.
How does the Montana 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 Montana is $59,960, which is +3% above national average of $58,260.