Wisconsin ranks 15th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $19,740 — a 32% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $49,410 to $76,560 — a $27,150 spread, 44% tighter than the national $48,290 range.
Wisconsin employs roughly 1.7% of all water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in the country (2,110 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $49,410 | $23.76 |
| 25th percentile | $54,000 | $25.96 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,360 | $29.98 |
| 75th percentile | $69,570 | $33.45 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,560 | $36.81 |
| Mean (average) | $62,420 | $30.01 |
How Wisconsin Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin (current) | $62,360 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +32% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +27% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +26% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +23% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +21% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +19% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +13% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +9% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Wisconsin
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Civil Drafters | $62,260 | 2,060 |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $62,470 | 9,450 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers | $62,500 | 2,390 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $62,510 | 2,420 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | $62,570 | 11,670 |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $62,030 | 5,930 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Wisconsin?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Wisconsin is $62,420 per year. The median (middle) salary is $62,360 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Wisconsin?
Entry-level water and wastewater treatment plant and system operatorss (10th percentile) in Wisconsin typically earn around $49,410 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $54,000 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Wisconsin?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Wisconsin make approximately $76,560 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $69,570 per year.
How does the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin is $62,360, which is +7% above national average of $58,260.