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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Indiana

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    327 IAC 5-22-7.3 Educational and experience requirements necessary for a certified operator Authority: IC 13-14-8

    • IC 13-18-11-3
    • IC 13-18-11-13 Affected: IC 13-18-11 Sec 7.3.
  7. 7

    Educational and experience requirements necessary to become a certified operator in each of the classes of wastewater treatment plants are as follows: (1) Class I-SP and Class A-SO certified operator applicants must have attained the following: (A) A high school diploma or equivalent education.

  8. 8

    (B) Six (6) months of acceptable experience in a wastewater treatment plant.

  9. 9

    (2) Class I and Class A certified operator applicants must have attained the following: (A) A high school diploma or equivalent education.

  10. 10

    (3) Class II and Class B certified operator applicants must have attained the following: (A) A high school diploma or equivalent education.

  11. 11

    (B) Three (3) years of acceptable experience at a wastewater treatment plant.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

certified operator is certified to operate
(A) Class A-SO; (B) Class A; and (C) Class B; wastewater treatment plants

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Indiana Department of Environmental Management • Office of Water Quality, Wastewater Branch • Room 1255

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $55,170 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Indiana eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Indiana Department of Environmental Management~Office of Water Quality, Wastewater Branch~Room 1255 and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Indiana

With a median salary of $55,170, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Indiana earn 5% below the national median of $58,260. Indiana ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.4%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,201

Median annual salary

$55,170

Hourly estimate

$26.52
5% below national median

Difference: -$3,090

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$40,940
  • P2525th percentile$48,240
  • P50Median$55,170
  • P7575th percentile$61,230
  • P9090th percentile$73,170

State vs National Median

State: $55,170
National: $58,260

Total employment: 3,300 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#33 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
Indiana$55,170Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Michigan$58,470Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$58,720Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Kentucky$47,700Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$63,790No 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
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-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

Indiana Department of Environmental Management • Office of Water Quality, Wastewater Branch • Room 1255

100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN, 46204-2251

Phone: 3172328603

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Indiana

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$64,310Specific course requiredVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$47,550Specific course requiredVaries by board
Carpenter$60,510Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$63,750Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Indiana?

Indiana lists State 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 Indiana?

The board typically expects Degree required for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure in Indiana.

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

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Indiana is $55,170. Salaries range from $40,940 (10th percentile) to $73,170 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Indiana earn 5% below the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $55,170.

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

Indiana employs approximately 3,300 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 Indiana 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 Indiana?

The licensing agency is Indiana Department of Environmental Management / Office of Water Quality, Wastewater Branch / Room 1255. Review agency details at https://www.in.gov/idem/5964.htm.

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

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