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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in California

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in California, 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 California

Estimated timeline: 2-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    must be at least 18 years of age

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  3. 3

    All contractors/builders must be licensed by the Contractors State License Board in order to perform work in California.

  4. 4

    License Application Fee: $450.

  5. 5

    Initial License Fee: Sole Owner $200 for 2 years.

  6. 6

    Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience

    • must be at least 18 years of age.
  7. 7

    Exam Requirement: Business/law exam and trade exam.

  8. 8

    Exam Frequency: Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state.

Exam and processing details

Frequency
Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $82,100 median (41% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (must be at least 18 years of age; Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience; must be at least 18 years of age.).
  2. 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (Experience Requirement: At least four (4) years journey level experience; must be at least 18 years of age.).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Frequency: Computerized exams given daily at 20 sites throughout the state. Re-exam.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (License Application Fee: $450.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Consumer Affairs~Contractors State License Board and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in California

With a median salary of $82,100, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in California earn 41% above the national median of $58,260. California ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,758

Median annual salary

$82,100

Hourly estimate

$39.47
41% above national median

Difference: +$23,840

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$52,510
  • P2525th percentile$64,850
  • P50Median$82,100
  • P7575th percentile$102,510
  • P9090th percentile$123,870

State vs National Median

State: $82,100
National: $58,260

Total employment: 11,260 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#1 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
California$82,100Varies by state boardState-approved exam2-18 years
Oregon$64,500Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Nevada$79,140Specific course requiredState exam required18 years
Arizona$61,480No 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
California78HighBoard-specific review required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona50LowState-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

Department of Consumer Affairs • Contractors State License Board

9821 Business Park Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95827

Phone: 8003212752

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in California

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$84,910Varies by state board1-17 years
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$63,370Varies by state board1-17 years
Carpenter$74,820Varies by state boardVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$101,160Varies by state board1-6 years

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2-18 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 California?

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in California is $82,100. Salaries range from $52,510 (10th percentile) to $123,870 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in California earn 41% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $82,100.

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

California employs approximately 11,260 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 California 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 California?

The licensing agency is Department of Consumer Affairs / Contractors State License Board. Review agency details at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/.

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

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