Pennsylvania ranks 23rd of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $22,930 — a 39% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $47,400 to $80,890 — a $33,490 spread, 31% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Pennsylvania employs roughly 4.1% of all water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in the country (5,190 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $47,400 | $22.79 |
| 25th percentile | $50,940 | $24.49 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $59,170 | $28.45 |
| 75th percentile | $70,400 | $33.85 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $80,890 | $38.89 |
| Mean (average) | $61,620 | $29.63 |
How Pennsylvania Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (current) | $59,170 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +39% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +34% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +33% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +27% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +26% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +19% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +15% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Pennsylvania
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Technicians | $59,130 | 3,050 |
| Carpenters | $59,240 | 29,900 |
| Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $59,240 | 2,980 |
| Public Relations Specialists | $59,260 | 9,260 |
| Tool and Die Makers | $59,540 | 2,910 |
| Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $59,590 | 1,990 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Pennsylvania?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Pennsylvania is $61,620 per year. The median (middle) salary is $59,170 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Pennsylvania typically earn around $47,400 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $50,940 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Pennsylvania?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Pennsylvania make approximately $80,890 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $70,400 per year.
How does the Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania is $59,170, which is +2% above national average of $58,260.