Tennessee ranks 37th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $31,340 — a 62% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $37,330 to $73,780 — a $36,450 spread, 25% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Tennessee employs roughly 2.4% of all water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in the country (3,090 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $37,330 | $17.95 |
| 25th percentile | $43,230 | $20.79 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $50,760 | $24.40 |
| 75th percentile | $61,690 | $29.66 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $73,780 | $35.47 |
| Mean (average) | $53,490 | $25.72 |
How Tennessee Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (current) | $50,760 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +62% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +56% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +55% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +52% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +48% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +47% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +39% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +34% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Tennessee
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other | $50,670 | 3,290 |
| Chemical Technicians | $51,030 | 1,740 |
| Editors | $51,060 | 960 |
| Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | $50,410 | 2,880 |
| Automotive Body and Related Repairers | $50,140 | 6,850 |
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | $50,140 | 3,240 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Tennessee?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Tennessee is $53,490 per year. The median (middle) salary is $50,760 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Tennessee?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Tennessee typically earn around $37,330 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $43,230 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Tennessee?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Tennessee make approximately $73,780 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $61,690 per year.
How does the Tennessee 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 Tennessee is $50,760, which is -13% below national average of $58,260.