West Virginia ranks 47th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $38,140 — a 87% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $28,490 to $62,390 — a $33,900 spread, 30% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more concentrated in West Virginia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 2.10 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 2.10× the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $28,490 | $13.70 |
| 25th percentile | $36,460 | $17.53 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $43,960 | $21.13 |
| 75th percentile | $50,110 | $24.09 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $62,390 | $29.99 |
| Mean (average) | $44,150 | $21.23 |
How West Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. West Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia (current) | $43,960 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +87% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +80% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +79% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +75% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +71% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +69% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +60% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +55% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in West Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | $43,910 | 180 |
| Insurance Sales Agents | $44,080 | 1,770 |
| Order Clerks | $44,160 | 170 |
| Medical Records Specialists | $43,710 | 1,140 |
| Rehabilitation Counselors | $44,220 | 470 |
| Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare | $44,240 | 380 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in West Virginia?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in West Virginia is $44,150 per year. The median (middle) salary is $43,960 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in West Virginia?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in West Virginia typically earn around $28,490 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $36,460 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in West Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in West Virginia make approximately $62,390 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $50,110 per year.
How does the West 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 West Virginia is $43,960, which is -25% below national average of $58,260.