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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Nevada

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

Estimated timeline: 18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    3) Pass a written exam.

  6. 6

    Fees are: full certificate - $84

    • operator-in-training certificate- $57
    • certificate by reciprocity - $57.

Exam and processing details

  • written exam

Continuing education and program notes

  • certification require completion of additional postsecondary instruction approved by the Bureau

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Nevada Division of Environmental Protection

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $79,140 median (36% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #2 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Nevada eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Specific course required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required written exam.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Fees are: full certificate - $84; operator-in-training certificate- $57; certificate by reciprocity - $57.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Nevada Division of Environmental Protection and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Nevada

With a median salary of $79,140, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Nevada earn 36% above the national median of $58,260. Nevada ranks #2 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.2%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,294

Median annual salary

$79,140

Hourly estimate

$38.05
36% above national median

Difference: +$20,880

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$54,380
  • P2525th percentile$64,000
  • P50Median$79,140
  • P7575th percentile$95,210
  • P9090th percentile$107,490

State vs National Median

State: $79,140
National: $58,260

Total employment: N/A | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#2 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
Nevada$79,140Specific course requiredState exam required18 years
Oregon$64,500Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Idaho$53,250No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Utah$59,120No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Arizona$61,480No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
California$82,100Varies by state boardState-approved exam2-18 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.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Nevada50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
Idaho50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Utah50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arizona50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
California78HighBoard-specific review 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

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection

901 S. Stewart St., STE 4001, Carson City, 89701

Phone: 7756879520

Related Careers in Nevada

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$97,690Degree required2-18 years
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$47,570Degree required2-18 years
Carpenter$62,240Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$76,560Specific course required1 month

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 18 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 Nevada?

Nevada 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 Nevada?

The board typically expects Specific course required for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure in Nevada.

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

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Nevada is $79,140. Salaries range from $54,380 (10th percentile) to $107,490 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Nevada earn 36% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $79,140.

Can I transfer my Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license to Nevada 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 Nevada?

The licensing agency is Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. Review agency details at https://ndep.nv.gov/nevada-recycles.

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

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