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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Alabama

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Alabama

Estimated timeline: 1-21 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    Specific requirements for each operator grade are as follows: a) Grade IC and I: 12 months full time work experience

    • b) Grade II: 18 months full time work experience
    • c) Grade III and IV: 24 months of full time work experience.
  3. 3

    Educational courses that related to water and wastewater treatment can be substituted for part of the experience requirement, if the applicant chooses.

  4. 4

    Specific substitutions for each grade are as follows: a) Grade IC and I: 6 months experience and 30 hours of classroom training.

  5. 5

    B) Grade II: 9 months of experience and 45 hours of classroom training.

  6. 6

    C) Grade III and IV: 12 months experience with 60 hours of training.

Continuing education and program notes

  • certified, the applicant must: be 21 years of age or older and possess a high school diploma or a GED

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Alabama Department of Environmental Management

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $48,730 median (16% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #41 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Alabama eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Specific substitutions for each grade are as follows: a) Grade IC and I: 6 months experience and 30 hours of classroom training.).
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Specific requirements for each operator grade are as follows: a) Grade IC and I: 12 months full time work experience; b) Grade II: 18 mon...).
  4. 4. Pass required state examinations.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Alabama Department of Environmental Management and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Alabama

With a median salary of $48,730, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Alabama earn 16% below the national median of $58,260. Alabama ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-21 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,201

Median annual salary

$48,730

Hourly estimate

$23.43
16% below national median

Difference: -$9,530

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$31,900
  • P2525th percentile$37,970
  • P50Median$48,730
  • P7575th percentile$60,230
  • P9090th percentile$76,350

State vs National Median

State: $48,730
National: $58,260

Total employment: 2,950 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#41 of 50 statesfor Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$82,100
#2Nevada$79,140
#3Washington$78,810
#4Alaska$76,910
#5New Jersey$75,200

Nearby States Comparison

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Alabama$48,730Varies by state boardState-approved exam1-21 years
Tennessee$50,760Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Georgia$49,370Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Florida$58,630No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$44,970No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Alabama78HighBoard-specific review required.
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Florida50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Alabama Department of Environmental Management

P.O. Box 301463, Montgomery, AL, 36130

Phone: 3342793071

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Related Careers in Alabama

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$86,780Varies by state board2-18 years
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$45,710Varies by state board2-18 years
Carpenter$47,880Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$61,500Varies by state board12 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Alabama?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-21 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Alabama?

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Alabama is $48,730. Salaries range from $31,900 (10th percentile) to $76,350 (90th percentile).

How does the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Alabama compare to the national average?

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Alabama earn 16% below the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $48,730.

How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss work in Alabama?

Alabama employs approximately 2,950 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license to Alabama from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Alabama?

The licensing agency is Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Review agency details at https://www.adem.alabama.gov/.

How often do you renew a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license in Alabama?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.