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Verified by KY Board of Trades

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Kentucky

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Must score 70% or more

  2. 2

    Education: Degree required.

  3. 3

    Experience: Work experience required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  5. 5

    Physical Requirement: Physical exam required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  7. 7

    EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS High school diploma required as a minimum for any type plant operation, however, the larger plants (class IV) require a baccalaureate degree.

  8. 8

    EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS Contact the regulatory agency to determine eligibility for certification.

  9. 9

    Examinations are scheduled quarterly in Frankfort office, during the annual operators conference, and on the last day of the certification training sessions.

  10. 10

    Type of examination

    • multiple choice and true/false.
  11. 11

    Examination fee is $30.00.

  12. 12

    Should you fail, you may register for a retake at the next regularly scheduled examination by paying a $30.00 retake fee.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification
Fee TypeAmount
Examination fee$30.00
The fee for renewal$20.00

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Division of Compliance Assistance • Energy and Environment Cabinet

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $47,700 median (18% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #44 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Kentucky 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. Budget filing costs (Examination fee: $30.00; The fee for renewal: $20.00).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Division of Compliance Assistance~Energy and Environment Cabinet and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Kentucky

With a median salary of $47,700, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Kentucky earn 18% below the national median of $58,260. Kentucky ranks #44 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,180

Median annual salary

$47,700

Hourly estimate

$22.93
18% below national median

Difference: -$10,560

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$33,730
  • P2525th percentile$38,170
  • P50Median$47,700
  • P7575th percentile$57,730
  • P9090th percentile$62,710

State vs National Median

State: $47,700
National: $58,260

Total employment: 3,150 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#44 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
Kentucky$47,700Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$55,170Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$58,720Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$43,960No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Virginia$58,920Varies by state boardThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Tennessee$50,760Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$52,990No educational requirementsState 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
Kentucky50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Indiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Virginia56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee56MediumState-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

Division of Compliance Assistance • Energy and Environment Cabinet

300 Sower Blvd., 3rd Floor, Frankfort, KY, 40601

Phone: 5025643350

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Related Careers in Kentucky

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$72,320Degree required1 month
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$39,940Degree required1 month
Carpenter$50,860Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$63,770Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Kentucky?

Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

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

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

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Kentucky is $47,700. Salaries range from $33,730 (10th percentile) to $62,710 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Kentucky earn 18% below the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $47,700.

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

Kentucky employs approximately 3,150 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky?

The licensing agency is Division of Compliance Assistance / Energy and Environment Cabinet. Review agency details at https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Compliance-Assistance/Pages/default.aspx.

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

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