Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in California
Also called: Water Treatment Plant Operators
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in California earn a median of $81,770 a year, +36% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $81,770
- vs. U.S. median
- +36% ($60,020)
- Rank among states
- 1 of 50
- Jobs in the state
- 11,630
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $56,030; the top 10% earn over $123,380. Nationally the range is $39,110 to $91,060.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Biomass Plant Technicians$105,210 median in California (broader BLS group)
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- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$103,250 median in California
- Wellhead Pumpers$64,430 median in California
- Biofuels Processing Technicians$78,020 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians$105,210 median in California (broader BLS group)
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators pay in California
How much do water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make in California?
The median is $81,770 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $56,030 and the top 10% earn over $123,380. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
On pay alone it ranks 1 of 50 (+36% vs. the national median of $60,020). Living costs are not included.