New Jersey Median
$78,760
per year
Hourly Rate
$37.87
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+31% vs US median
US median $60,020
State Rank
#5 of 50
2,500 employed here
How much do Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in New Jersey?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in New Jersey take home a median of $78,760 annually — roughly $37.87 an hour — which runs 31% above the national median of $60,020.
Within New Jersey, entry-level pay starts around $51,050 while the top 10% make $99,240 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $62,280 and $93,520 a year.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary range in New Jersey
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $51,050 | $24.54 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $62,280 | $29.94 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $78,760 | $37.87 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $93,520 | $44.96 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,240 | $47.71 |
|
How New Jersey compares
New Jersey ranks 5th out of 50 states and territories for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in other states
California $81,770Nevada $81,440Washington $80,800Connecticut $78,820Minnesota $74,670Colorado $74,200Oregon $69,720Massachusetts $68,550Illinois $67,810Hawaii $65,560Delaware $64,940New York $63,990Vermont $63,640Wisconsin $63,550Pennsylvania $63,310Wyoming $63,260New Hampshire $62,940Maine $61,870Maryland $61,870Rhode Island $61,820Arizona $61,340Utah $61,290Nebraska $61,220Iowa $60,990North Dakota $60,470Alaska $60,160Virginia $59,420Michigan $59,270Ohio $59,170Florida $59,030Montana $58,040Indiana $53,540South Dakota $53,370Idaho $52,210South Carolina $52,090Alabama $51,870North Carolina $51,680Tennessee $50,670Missouri $49,940Texas $49,460Georgia $48,930New Mexico $48,190West Virginia $47,560Kansas $46,780Mississippi $46,480Louisiana $46,210Oklahoma $45,890Kentucky $45,430Arkansas $44,320
Working as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in New Jersey
Nationally, about 128,000 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare New Jersey pay ($78,760) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in New Jersey?
The median Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in New Jersey is $78,760 per year, or about $37.87 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $51,050 at the entry level to $99,240 for the top 10% of earners.
How does New Jersey pay compare to the national average?
New Jersey pays Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators about 31% more than the national median of $60,020. New Jersey ranks 5th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is New Jersey a good state for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
Yes on pay — New Jersey pays above the national median for this occupation, at $78,760 a year. About 2,500 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are employed in New Jersey. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in New Jersey?
The highest-paying occupations in New Jersey include Radiologist ($482,700), Surgeon, All Other ($437,890), Physician, Pathologists ($355,970), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.