LocalSalaryHub Salary Report
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Ames, IA · Generated June 5, 2026
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Ames, IA $61,730/yr
$61,730
Mean: $63,000
~$48,149 est. take-home
$29.68
Based on 2,080 hrs/yr
100
100 = national avg
Salary Distribution
Where the median falls between the 25th and 75th percentile.
25th %
$50,230
Median
$61,730
75th %
$74,000
Median is in the 48th percentile of the typical range
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in other IA cities
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About Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salaries in Ames, IA
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Ames, IA earn a median of $61,730 per year, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. The mean salary is $63,000, which tends to skew higher because a small number of high earners pull the average up.
Most water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in this area earn between $50,230 and $74,000. Where you land depends on experience, employer type, and whether you have in-demand specializations.
That works out to roughly $29.68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual hourly pay may differ for part-time or contract roles.
Career Outlook
-3% as modern plants need fewer operators per shift. But here's the thing: experienced operators are retiring faster than positions are being cut, and aging infrastructure requires skilled maintenance. The people who stay in the field have strong job security.
Worth knowing: The highest-level state certifications (Level 4/A) are your bargaining chip. They're hard to get, they take years, and facilities can't legally operate without enough certified operators on shift.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Jobs in Ames, IA
Median: $61,730/yr — browse openings that fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Ames?▾
The median — where half earn more and half earn less — is $61,730. The average (mean) is $63,000, which is higher because top earners pull it up.
How much does a water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators make per hour in Ames?▾
About $29.68/hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Part-time or overtime hours will change the actual rate.
What is the salary range for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Ames?▾
The middle 50% earn between $50,230 and $74,000. Below $50,230 is typically entry-level; above $74,000 usually means significant experience or specialized skills.
Salary Conversion Table
How does $61,730 per year break down across different time periods?
| Period | Gross | Est. Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly | $61,730 | $48,149 |
| Monthly | $5,144 | $4,012 |
| Biweekly | $2,374 | $1,852 |
| Weekly | $1,187 | $926 |
| Hourly (40h/wk) | $29.68 | $23.15 |
| Hourly (35h/wk) | $33.92 | $26.46 |
| Hourly (30h/wk) | $39.57 | $30.86 |
| Daily (8h) | $237 | $185 |
Take-home estimates use an effective tax rate of 22%. Actual amounts vary by filing status, deductions, and state tax.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators: Highest-Paying Cities in the U.S.
Top 10 cities nationwide for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators, based on BLS median salary data.
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