DETAILED OCCUPATION DATA
51-8031 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Occupational Description:
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.| Percentiles | |||||||||
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| Geography | Employment | Emp SE* | Mean | Mean SE* | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
| Minnesota | 3,130 | 275 | $27.27/hr | $0.41/hr | $17.71/hr | $22.74/hr | $27.85/hr | $31.84/hr | $37.02/hr |
| U S | 123,730 | 1,237 | $24.64/hr | $0.12/hr | $14.07/hr | $17.92/hr | $23.30/hr | $29.86/hr | $37.86/hr |
| *SE = Standard error, a measure of the statistical reliability of the estimate. | |||||||||
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| Occupation (click title for details) | OES | Projections | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | Median Wage | % Change 2023 - 2025 | |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | 1,460 | $25.28/hr | -0.4% |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | 1,020 | $21.98/hr | -0.5% |
| Plating and Coating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 1,010 | $17.84/hr | -0.1% |
| Maintenance Workers, Machinery | 490 | $21.22/hr | 2.0% |
| Gas Plant Operators | 170 | $34.39/hr | 0.0% |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | 100 | $20.25/hr | 1.1% |
| Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders | 30 | $15.33/hr | N/A |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | N/A | $30.42/hr | 1.2% |
Tasks for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
- Operates and adjusts controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
- Records operational data, personnel attendance, and meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
- Maintains, repairs, and lubricates equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
- Cleans and maintains tanks and filter beds, using hand tools and power tools.
- Directs and coordinates plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
- Collects and tests water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
- Inspects equipment and monitors operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
- Adds chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, and lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
