New Mexico ranks 45th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $35,420 — a 76% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $34,980 to $77,150 — a $42,170 spread, 13% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in New Mexico than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 3.08 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 3.08× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,980 | $16.82 |
| 25th percentile | $37,560 | $18.06 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $46,680 | $22.44 |
| 75th percentile | $59,320 | $28.52 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $77,150 | $37.09 |
| Mean (average) | $51,540 | $24.78 |
How New Mexico Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. New Mexico |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico (current) | $46,680 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +76% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +70% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +69% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +65% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +61% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +59% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +51% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +46% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in New Mexico
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $46,660 | 930 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | $46,610 | 8,720 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other | $46,780 | 300 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $46,810 | 1,210 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $46,530 | 1,840 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $46,440 | 670 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in New Mexico?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in New Mexico is $51,540 per year. The median (middle) salary is $46,680 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in New Mexico?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in New Mexico typically earn around $34,980 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $37,560 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in New Mexico?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in New Mexico make approximately $77,150 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $59,320 per year.
How does the New Mexico 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 New Mexico is $46,680, which is -20% below national average of $58,260.