Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Rhode Island
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Rhode Island earn a median of $61,820 a year ($29.72 an hour), based on BLS data for 420 workers.
Pay ranges from $49,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,640 for the top 10%. That is 3% higher than the national median of $60,020. Rhode Island ranks 21st of 50 states for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay. There are 0.83 water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $64,260, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Rhode Island
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $49,150 | $23.63 |
| 25th percentile | $53,020 | $25.49 |
| Median | $61,820 | $29.72 |
| 75th percentile | $75,720 | $36.40 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,640 | $40.69 |
| Average (mean) | $64,260 | $30.89 |
Half of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $5,151.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,575.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,377.69 |
| Weekly | $1,188.85 |
| Hourly | $29.72 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $61,820 salary, see how much house you can afford in Rhode Island at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in cities in Rhode Island
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $62,440 | 670 |
Highest-paying states for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $81,770 |
| Nevada | $81,440 |
| Washington | $80,800 |
| Connecticut | $78,820 |
| New Jersey | $78,760 |
| Minnesota | $74,670 |
| Colorado | $74,200 |
| Oregon | $69,720 |
| Massachusetts | $68,550 |
| Illinois | $67,810 |
See Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators pay in every state.
Related jobs in Rhode Island
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | $63,330 | $30.45 |
| Power Plant Operator | $98,050 | $47.14 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $40,590 | $19.51 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $81,650 | $39.25 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $50,580 | $24.32 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $54,940 | $26.41 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $38,330 | $18.43 |
| Machinist | $57,760 | $27.77 |
| Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | $37,550 | $18.05 |
| Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $38,720 | $18.62 |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $37,230 | $17.90 |
| Baker | $38,140 | $18.34 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $57,390 | $27.59 |
| Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers | $48,800 | $23.46 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-8031. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make in Rhode Island?
The median salary for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Rhode Island is $61,820 a year, or $29.72 an hour. Pay ranges from $49,150 for the lowest-paid 10% to $84,640 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make in Rhode Island?
The top 10% of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Rhode Island earn at least $84,640 a year. The top 25% earn $75,720 or more.
What is the starting pay for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Rhode Island?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $49,150 a year, and a quarter of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators earn $53,020 or less.
How many water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators work in Rhode Island?
About 420 water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators are employed in Rhode Island, not counting the self-employed.