Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IA Board of Trades
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Iowa, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Specific course required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Certification: Certification required.
- 4
License Type: Tied to business.
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Iowa Department of Natural Resources • Water Quality
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$59,400 median (2% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#22 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Iowa 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 state examinations.
- 5. Submit the application to Iowa Department of Natural Resources~Water Quality and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of $59,400, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Iowa earn 2% above the national median of $58,260. Iowa ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,154Median annual salary
$59,400Hourly estimate
$28.562% above national median
Difference: +$1,140
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking
#22 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $59,400 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $62,360 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1 month |
| Illinois | $63,790 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $52,990 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Nebraska | $57,640 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 2 years |
| South Dakota | $54,090 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 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
Official website verified
Iowa Department of Natural Resources • Water Quality
Land Quality Bureau, 502 East 9th Street, Des Moines, IA, 50319
Phone: 5157258308
Related Careers in Iowa
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $70,080 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $48,400 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $54,080 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $63,830 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa?
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 education do you need to become a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Iowa?
The board typically expects Specific course required for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Iowa is $59,400. Salaries range from $45,650 (10th percentile) to $73,960 (90th percentile).
How does the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Iowa earn 2% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $59,400.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 2,460 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 Iowa 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 Iowa?
The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Natural Resources / Water Quality. Review agency details at https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water-Quality/Certification.
How often do you renew a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license in Iowa?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.