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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Arkansas

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

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

Estimated timeline: 1 month

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must have a high school diploma or GED.

  2. 2

    Must have completed all the mandatory training courses.

  3. 3

    Must have completed a certification examination with a passing score.

  4. 4

    Must have completed required water supply continuing education (24 hours per renewal).

  5. 5

    Must have satisfactory work experience as determined in the application process.

  6. 6

    Education: Specific course required.

  7. 7

    Experience: Work experience required.

  8. 8

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  9. 9

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  10. 10

    Certification: Certification required.

  11. 11

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  12. 12

    2) Must have completed all the mandatory training courses.

  13. 13

    3) Must have completed a certification examination with a passing score.

  14. 14

    4) Must have completed required water supply continuing education (24 hours per renewal).

  15. 15

    5) Must have satisfactory work experience as determined in the application process.

  16. 16

    Examination: $25.00 per examination.

  17. 17

    License Fee: $10.00.

Exam and processing details

  • $25.00 per examination License

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification examination with a passing score
Fee TypeAmount
every 2-year renewal) Late Renewal Penalty$5.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Arkansas Department of Health • Engineering Section • Arkansas Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $38,310 median (34% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #50 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Arkansas eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required $25.00 per examination License.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Must have satisfactory work experience as determined in the application process.; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (every 2-year renewal) Late Renewal Penalty: $5.00).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Arkansas Department of Health~Engineering Section~Arkansas Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Arkansas

With a median salary of $38,310, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Arkansas earn 34% below the national median of $58,260. Arkansas ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,118

Median annual salary

$38,310

Hourly estimate

$18.42
34% below national median

Difference: -$19,950

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$29,060
  • P2525th percentile$34,770
  • P50Median$38,310
  • P7575th percentile$47,700
  • P9090th percentile$58,930

State vs National Median

State: $38,310
National: $58,260

Total employment: 2,240 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#50 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
Arkansas$38,310Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Missouri$52,990No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$50,760Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$44,970No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Louisiana$38,690No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Texas$48,110Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$41,380Specific course requiredState 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
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Missouri50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Arkansas Department of Health • Engineering Section • Arkansas Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee

4815 West Markham Street, Slot 37, Little Rock, AR, 72205-3867

Phone: 5016612623

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Arkansas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$50,290No educational requirementsVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$43,830No educational requirementsVaries by board
Carpenter$46,320Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$52,970Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

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

What exams are required for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Arkansas?

Arkansas lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss.

What education do you need to become a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Arkansas?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure in Arkansas.

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

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Arkansas is $38,310. Salaries range from $29,060 (10th percentile) to $58,930 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Arkansas earn 34% below the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $38,310.

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

Arkansas employs approximately 2,240 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 Arkansas from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. 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 Arkansas?

The licensing agency is Arkansas Department of Health / Engineering Section / Arkansas Drinking Water Advisory and Operator Licensing Committee. Review agency details at https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/drinking-water.

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

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