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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Massachusetts

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

Estimated timeline: 1-8 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Must provide satisfactory information on previous employment as a wastewater operator or operator-in-training.

  6. 6

    Must satisfy experience requirements (ranging from 1-8 years) for the grade of license being sought.

  7. 7

    Education can be substituted for a portion of the experience requirements.

  8. 8

    Exam required.

  9. 9

    Continuing education required.

Exam and processing details

  • required.

Continuing education and program notes

  • required.

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Board of Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $65,620 median (13% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #11 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Massachusetts eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required 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 Board of Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Massachusetts

With a median salary of $65,620, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Massachusetts earn 13% above the national median of $58,260. Massachusetts ranks #11 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-8 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,805

Median annual salary

$65,620

Hourly estimate

$31.55
13% above national median

Difference: +$7,360

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$49,660
  • P2525th percentile$59,260
  • P50Median$65,620
  • P7575th percentile$76,020
  • P9090th percentile$82,150

State vs National Median

State: $65,620
National: $58,260

Total employment: 2,480 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#11 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
Massachusetts$65,620No educational requirementsState exam required1-8 years
New Hampshire$66,240Specific course requiredState exam required1-16 years
Vermont$61,530No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
New York$63,140Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$74,450No educational requirementsState-approved exam2 years
Rhode Island$57,060No 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
Massachusetts50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Hampshire50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Vermont50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New York50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Connecticut70MediumDocumented experience may be required.
Rhode Island50LowState-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

Board of Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities

1 Winter Street, Boston, MA, 02108

Phone: 6172925641

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Massachusetts

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$87,270Degree required1-3 years
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$57,470Degree required1-3 years
Carpenter$71,110Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$79,220Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-8 years, 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 Massachusetts?

Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure in Massachusetts.

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

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Massachusetts is $65,620. Salaries range from $49,660 (10th percentile) to $82,150 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Massachusetts earn 13% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $65,620.

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

Massachusetts employs approximately 2,480 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts?

The licensing agency is Board of Certification of Operators of Wastewater Treatment Facilities. Review agency details at http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/water/wastewater/wastewater-treatment-plants.html.

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

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