Rhode Island ranks 32nd of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $25,040 — a 44% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $49,930 to $79,450 — a $29,520 spread, 39% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $49,930 | $24.00 |
| 25th percentile | $51,180 | $24.61 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $57,060 | $27.43 |
| 75th percentile | $62,450 | $30.02 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,450 | $38.20 |
| Mean (average) | $59,820 | $28.76 |
How Rhode Island Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Rhode Island |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island (current) | $57,060 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +44% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +39% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +38% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +35% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +32% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +30% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +24% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +20% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Rhode Island
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $57,000 | 2,350 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $56,950 | 410 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | $57,200 | 170 |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $57,250 | 260 |
| Community Health Workers | $56,760 | 340 |
| Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators | $57,490 | 630 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Rhode Island?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Rhode Island is $59,820 per year. The median (middle) salary is $57,060 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Rhode Island?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Rhode Island typically earn around $49,930 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $51,180 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Rhode Island?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Rhode Island make approximately $79,450 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $62,450 per year.
How does the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island is $57,060, which is -2% below national average of $58,260.