South Carolina ranks 39th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $32,620 — a 66% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $36,030 to $72,430 — a $36,400 spread, 25% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in South Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.50 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.50× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $36,030 | $17.32 |
| 25th percentile | $42,730 | $20.54 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $49,480 | $23.79 |
| 75th percentile | $62,150 | $29.88 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $72,430 | $34.82 |
| Mean (average) | $52,820 | $25.40 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $49,480 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +66% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +60% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +59% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +55% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +52% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +50% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +42% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +38% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other | $49,470 | 1,150 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | $49,410 | 1,420 |
| Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | $49,620 | 890 |
| Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,730 | 1,560 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | $49,800 | 2,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | $49,830 | 2,950 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in South Carolina?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in South Carolina is $52,820 per year. The median (middle) salary is $49,480 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Carolina?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $36,030 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $42,730 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $72,430 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $62,150 per year.
How does the South 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 South Carolina is $49,480, which is -15% below national average of $58,260.