Application Fee
See agencyVerified by NC Board of Trades
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in North Carolina
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in North Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in North Carolina
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Certification That Such Discharge Will Be In Compliance With Applicable State Water-
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
NC Department of Environmental Quality • Water Resources
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$49,710 median (15% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#38 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet North Carolina eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 4. Submit the application to NC Department of Environmental Quality~Water Resources and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in North Carolina
With a median salary of $49,710, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in North Carolina earn 15% below the national median of $58,260. North Carolina ranks #38 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,298Median annual salary
$49,710Hourly estimate
$23.9015% below national median
Difference: -$8,550
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking
#38 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $49,710 | Varies by state board | No exam required | Varies by board |
| Virginia | $58,920 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $50,760 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Georgia | $49,370 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| South Carolina | $49,480 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies 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.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Tennessee | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Carolina | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
NC Department of Environmental Quality • Water Resources
217 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC, 27603
Phone: 9197079000
Related Careers in North Carolina
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $69,320 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $48,530 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $47,630 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $65,830 | 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 North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
North Carolina lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss.
What is the typical Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in North Carolina is $49,710. Salaries range from $37,460 (10th percentile) to $70,750 (90th percentile).
How does the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in North Carolina earn 15% below the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $49,710.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss work in North Carolina?
North Carolina employs approximately 3,420 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina?
The licensing agency is NC Department of Environmental Quality / Water Resources. Review agency details at https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources.
How often do you renew a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license in North Carolina?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.