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

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    Certification: Certification required.

  6. 6

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NYS Department of Health • Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $63,140 median (8% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #14 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to NYS Department of Health~Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in New York

With a median salary of $63,140, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in New York earn 8% above the national median of $58,260. New York ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,739

Median annual salary

$63,140

Hourly estimate

$30.36
8% above national median

Difference: +$4,880

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,340
  • P2525th percentile$51,450
  • P50Median$63,140
  • P7575th percentile$80,450
  • P9090th percentile$98,950

State vs National Median

State: $63,140
National: $58,260

Total employment: 5,270 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#14 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 York$63,140Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Vermont$61,530No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$65,620No educational requirementsState exam required1-8 years
Connecticut$74,450No educational requirementsState-approved exam2 years
New Jersey$75,200Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$59,170No educational requirementsState 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
New York50LowState-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.
Connecticut70MediumDocumented experience may be required.
New Jersey50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Pennsylvania50LowState-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

NYS Department of Health • Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection

Empire State Plaza - Corning Tower, Rm. 1110, Albany, NY, 12237

Phone: 5184027711

Related Careers in New York

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$93,200No educational requirementsVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$51,650No educational requirementsVaries by board
Carpenter$63,660Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$78,570No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 New York?

New York 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 York?

The board typically expects Degree required for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure in New York.

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

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in New York is $63,140. Salaries range from $46,340 (10th percentile) to $98,950 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in New York earn 8% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $63,140.

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

New York employs approximately 5,270 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 York 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 York?

The licensing agency is NYS Department of Health / Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection. Review agency details at https://www.health.ny.gov/.

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

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