Virginia ranks 25th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $23,180 — a 39% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $38,480 to $79,180 — a $40,700 spread, 16% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Virginia employs roughly 2.7% of all water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in the country (3,390 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $38,480 | $18.50 |
| 25th percentile | $46,800 | $22.50 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,920 | $28.33 |
| 75th percentile | $70,470 | $33.88 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,180 | $38.07 |
| Mean (average) | $58,960 | $28.35 |
How Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia (current) | $58,920 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +39% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +34% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +34% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +31% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +28% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +26% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +20% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +16% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Preparers | $59,220 | 2,200 |
| Paramedics | $58,570 | 1,690 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | $58,530 | 7,870 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $58,490 | 3,870 |
| Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $59,420 | 1,550 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $58,410 | 16,860 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Virginia?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Virginia is $58,960 per year. The median (middle) salary is $58,920 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Virginia?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Virginia typically earn around $38,480 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $46,800 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Virginia make approximately $79,180 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $70,470 per year.
How does the Virginia 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 Virginia is $58,920, which is +1% above national average of $58,260.