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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Minnesota

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

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  2. 2

    In order to be certified the operator must demonstrate that he or she possesses the skill, knowledge, experience, and education necessary to operate a system successfully.

  3. 3

    Training Schedule.

  4. 4

    Renewal Requirements for Water Operator Certificates.

  5. 5

    Relevancy of Training for Certified Water Operators.

  6. 6

    Exam Information.

  7. 7

    Exam Study Materials.

Exam and processing details

  • Information Study Materials Contract Operating Information None

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification program for water supply system operators was established by Minnesota Statutes in 1971, and is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Drinking Water

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Minnesota Department of Health • Division of Health Policy and Systems Compliance

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $70,470 median (21% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #7 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (5)

  1. 1. Meet Minnesota eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (In order to be certified the operator must demonstrate that he or she possesses the skill, knowledge, experience, and education necessary...).
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience (In order to be certified the operator must demonstrate that he or she possesses the skill, knowledge, experience, and education necessary...).
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Information Study Materials Contract Operating Information None.
  5. 5. Submit the application to Minnesota Department of Health~Division of Health Policy and Systems Compliance and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Minnesota

With a median salary of $70,470, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Minnesota earn 21% above the national median of $58,260. Minnesota ranks #7 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,407

Median annual salary

$70,470

Hourly estimate

$33.88
21% above national median

Difference: +$12,210

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$45,280
  • P2525th percentile$61,350
  • P50Median$70,470
  • P7575th percentile$77,330
  • P9090th percentile$82,070

State vs National Median

State: $70,470
National: $58,260

Total employment: 2,050 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#7 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
Minnesota$70,470Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Wisconsin$62,360No educational requirementsState exam required1 month
Iowa$59,400Specific course requiredState-approved examVaries by board
South Dakota$54,090Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
North Dakota$58,250Specific course requiredState 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
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Iowa66MediumDocumented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required.
South Dakota78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Dakota50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Minnesota Department of Health • Division of Health Policy and Systems Compliance

121 East Seventh Place or PO Box 64975, St. Paul, MN, 55101

Phone: 6512015000

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Related Careers in Minnesota

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$86,640Varies by state boardVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$57,470Varies by state boardVaries by board
Carpenter$64,650Varies by state boardVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$83,890Varies by state boardVaries by board

FAQ

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

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

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Minnesota is $70,470. Salaries range from $45,280 (10th percentile) to $82,070 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Minnesota earn 21% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $70,470.

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

Minnesota employs approximately 2,050 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 Minnesota from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. 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 Minnesota?

The licensing agency is Minnesota Department of Health / Division of Health Policy and Systems Compliance. Review agency details at http://www.health.state.mn.us/.

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

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