North Carolina ranks 38th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $32,390 — a 65% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $37,460 to $70,750 — a $33,290 spread, 31% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
North Carolina employs roughly 2.7% of all water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in the country (3,420 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $37,460 | $18.01 |
| 25th percentile | $42,810 | $20.58 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,710 | $23.90 |
| 75th percentile | $60,830 | $29.25 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,750 | $34.02 |
| Mean (average) | $52,800 | $25.39 |
How North Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (current) | $49,710 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +65% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +59% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +59% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +55% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +51% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +50% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +42% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +37% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in North Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Surveying and Mapping Technicians | $49,780 | 4,510 |
| Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks | $49,830 | 12,550 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | $49,580 | 64,610 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | $49,570 | 1,890 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $49,860 | 12,020 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $49,400 | 44,040 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in North Carolina?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in North Carolina is $52,800 per year. The median (middle) salary is $49,710 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in North Carolina typically earn around $37,460 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $42,810 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in North Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in North Carolina make approximately $70,750 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $60,830 per year.
How does the North Carolina 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 North Carolina is $49,710, which is -15% below national average of $58,260.