Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NE Board of Trades
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Nebraska
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Nebraska, 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 Nebraska
Estimated timeline: 2 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 2
Applicants must pass a written examination for initial certification, which lasts for 2 years.
- 3
Exam Fee- $50.00Certification by Examination for Journeyman Installer or Journeyman Pumper- $100.00Certification by Examination for Master Installer, MasterPumper, Soil Evaluator, or Inspector- $300.00.
- 4
Renewal.
- 5
Renewal is required biennially at the end of every odd-numberedyear.The renewal fee for Journeyman Installer or JourneymanPumper Certification is $100.00.The renewal fee for Master Installer, Master Pumper, SoilEvaluator, or Inspector Certification is $300.00.Completion of at least 12 PDH's (Professional DevelopmentHours) of approved continuing education during each2-year certification cycle is required to qualify for renewal.
Exam and processing details
- Fee- $50.00Certification by Examination for Journeyman Installer or Journeyman Pumper- $100.00Certification by Examination for Master Installer, MasterPumper, Soil Evaluator, or Inspector- $300.00
Continuing education and program notes
- Certified Onsite Wastewater Treatment Professional is an individual who is certified as an installer,inspector, soil evaluator, or pumper to perform work on an onsite wastewater trea
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| The renewal fee for Journeyman Installer or JourneymanPumper Certification | $100.00 |
| ee for Master Installer, Master Pumper, SoilEvaluator, or Inspector Certification | $300.00 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Nebraska Dept. of Environment & Energy
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,640 median (1% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#31 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (5)
- 1. Meet Nebraska eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Renewal is required biennially at the end of every odd-numberedyear.The renewal fee for Journeyman Installer or JourneymanPumper Certific...).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: Fee- $50.00Certification by Examination for Journeyman Installer or Journeyman Pumper- $100.00Certification by Examination for Master Installer, MasterPumper, Soil Evaluator, or....
- 4. Budget filing costs (The renewal fee for Journeyman Installer or JourneymanPumper Certification: $100.00; ee for Master Installer, Master Pumper, SoilEvaluator, or Insp...).
- 5. Submit the application to Nebraska Dept. of Environment & Energy and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Nebraska
With a median salary of $57,640, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Nebraska earn 1% below the national median of $58,260. Nebraska ranks #31 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 2 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,157Median annual salary
$57,640Hourly estimate
$27.711% below national median
Difference: -$620
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking
#31 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Iowa | $59,400 | Specific course required | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $52,990 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kansas | $47,950 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Colorado | $68,220 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $60,580 | Specific course required | State exam required | 1-3 years |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 66 | Medium | Documented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kansas | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Colorado | 56 | Medium | State-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
Nebraska Dept. of Environment & Energy
P.O. Box 98922, 245 Fallbrook Ave, Lincoln, NE, 68509
Phone: 4022242186
Related Careers in Nebraska
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $62,990 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $48,810 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $49,590 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $70,730 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Nebraska?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 2 years, 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 Nebraska?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Nebraska is $57,640. Salaries range from $38,300 (10th percentile) to $73,560 (90th percentile).
How does the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Nebraska compare to the national average?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Nebraska earn 1% below the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $57,640.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss work in Nebraska?
Nebraska employs approximately 1,040 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 Nebraska 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 Nebraska?
The licensing agency is Nebraska Dept. of Environment & Energy. Review agency details at https://dee.ne.gov/.
How often do you renew a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license in Nebraska?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.