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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in New Hampshire

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

Estimated timeline: 1-16 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Satisfactory physical condition

  2. 2

    Be able to read and write in the English language

  3. 3

    High school graduate

  4. 4

    Postsecondary education according to grade, with a concentration in environmental engineering, civil engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, where 30 semester hours of study is equivalent to one year of postsecondary education

  5. 5

    Operating experience according to grade

  6. 6

    Varying experience and education requirements depending on grade of operator:

  7. 7

    Grade I-A: 12 years education and 6 months experience

  8. 8

    Grade I: 12 years education and 1 year experience

  9. 9

    Grade II: 12 years education and 3 years experience

  10. 10

    Grade III: 14 years education and 4 years experience

  11. 11

    Grade IV: 16 years education and 6 years experience

  12. 12

    Education: Specific course required.

  13. 13

    Experience: Work experience required.

  14. 14

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  15. 15

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  16. 16

    - Postsecondary education according to grade, with a concentration in environmental engineering, civil engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, where 30 semester hours of study is equivalent to one year of postsecondary education.

  17. 17

    - Operating experience according to grade.

  18. 18

    - Varying experience and education requirements depending on grade of operator:.

  19. 19

    - Grade I-A: 12 years education and 6 months experience.

  20. 20

    - Grade I: 12 years education and 1 year experience.

Exam and processing details

  • Written examination required.
  • Applicants successfully completing a written examination may be required to obtain a satisfactory grade in an oral examination prior to certification.
  • Applicants will be notified of the test results as early as practicable.

Continuing education and program notes

  • Required for renewal &ndash
  • five hours for Grade

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NH Department of Environmental Services

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $66,240 median (14% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #9 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New Hampshire 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 examination required. Applicants successfully completing a written examination may be required to obtain a satisfactory grade in an oral examination prior to certificati....
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NH Department of Environmental Services and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New Hampshire

With a median salary of $66,240, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in New Hampshire earn 14% above the national median of $58,260. New Hampshire ranks #9 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-16 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,490

Median annual salary

$66,240

Hourly estimate

$31.85
14% above national median

Difference: +$7,980

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$49,460
  • P2525th percentile$60,520
  • P50Median$66,240
  • P7575th percentile$72,580
  • P9090th percentile$72,580

State vs National Median

State: $66,240
National: $58,260

Total employment: 930 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#9 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
New Hampshire$66,240Specific course requiredState exam required1-16 years
Maine$60,960No educational requirementsNo exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$61,530No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$65,620No educational requirementsState exam required1-8 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
New Hampshire50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Maine60MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Vermont50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Massachusetts50LowState-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

NH Department of Environmental Services

29 Hazen Drive, PO Box 95, Concord, NH, 03302

Phone: 6032712410

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in New Hampshire

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$78,960Varies by state boardVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$58,460Varies by state boardVaries by board
Carpenter$59,890Specific course requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$66,750No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-16 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 New Hampshire?

New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

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

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

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in New Hampshire is $66,240. Salaries range from $49,460 (10th percentile) to $72,580 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in New Hampshire earn 14% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $66,240.

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

New Hampshire employs approximately 930 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

The licensing agency is NH Department of Environmental Services. Review agency details at https://www.des.nh.gov/water/drinking-water.

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

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