Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CO Board of Trades
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Colorado
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Colorado
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certified as Transient Non-co
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment • Division of Water Quality
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$68,220 median (17% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#8 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Colorado eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment~Division of Water Quality and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Colorado
With a median salary of $68,220, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Colorado earn 17% above the national median of $58,260. Colorado ranks #8 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+0.8%Average Weekly Wage
$1,540Median annual salary
$68,220Hourly estimate
$32.8017% above national median
Difference: +$9,960
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking
#8 of 50 statesfor Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | $82,100 |
| #2 | Nevada | $79,140 |
| #3 | Washington | $78,810 |
| #4 | Alaska | $76,910 |
| #5 | New Jersey | $75,200 |
Nearby States Comparison
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $68,220 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $60,580 | Specific course required | State exam required | 1-3 years |
| Nebraska | $57,640 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 2 years |
| Kansas | $47,950 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Oklahoma | $41,380 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| New Mexico | $46,680 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Arizona | $61,480 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Utah | $59,120 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wyoming | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Oklahoma | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Mexico | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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
Agency website unverified
Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment • Division of Water Quality
4300 Cherry Creek Drive South, Denver, CO, 80246
Phone: 3036922000
This agency is in our manual verification queue. We only publish direct official board URLs after verification.
Related Careers in Colorado
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $81,020 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $59,340 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $59,490 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $78,940 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Colorado?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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 Colorado?
Colorado 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 Colorado?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure in Colorado.
What is the typical Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Colorado?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Colorado is $68,220. Salaries range from $48,440 (10th percentile) to $89,910 (90th percentile).
How does the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Colorado compare to the national average?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Colorado earn 17% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $68,220.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss work in Colorado?
Colorado employs approximately 2,410 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 Colorado 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 Colorado?
The licensing agency is Colorado Dept of Public Health and Environment / Division of Water Quality. The official board website is currently under manual verification.
How often do you renew a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license in Colorado?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.