Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MI Board of Trades
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Michigan
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Michigan, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Michigan
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 5
To receive a Drinking Water Operator certification, an applicant must meet the education and experience requirements, submit a license application ($95) and take the Drinking Water Exam ($45.00-$75.00 per exam).
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certification, an applicant must meet the education and experience requirements, submit a license application ($95) and take the Drinking Water Exam ($45
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$58,470 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#29 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Michigan eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; To receive a Drinking Water Operator certification, an applicant must meet the education and experience requirements, submit a license ap...).
- 6. Submit the application to Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Michigan
With a median salary of $58,470, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Michigan earn 0% above the national median of $58,260. Michigan ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,308Median annual salary
$58,470Hourly estimate
$28.110% above national median
Difference: +$210
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking
#29 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $58,470 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Ohio | $58,720 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $55,170 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $62,360 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1 month |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Ohio | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-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
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
525 W. Allegan St., 4-S, Lansing, MI, 48933
Phone: 5172845424
Related Careers in Michigan
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $69,370 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $48,840 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $61,410 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $69,890 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Michigan?
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 Michigan?
Michigan 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 Michigan?
The board typically expects Degree required for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure in Michigan.
What is the typical Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Michigan?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Michigan is $58,470. Salaries range from $44,880 (10th percentile) to $76,380 (90th percentile).
How does the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Michigan compare to the national average?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Michigan earn 0% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $58,470.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss work in Michigan?
Michigan employs approximately 2,720 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 Michigan 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 Michigan?
The licensing agency is Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Review agency details at https://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,4561,7-135-3308_3333_4171---,00.html.
How often do you renew a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license in Michigan?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.