Application Fee
See agencyVerified by RI Board of Trades
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Rhode Island
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Rhode Island, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Rhode Island
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: Work experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
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
- Licensing Authority
RI Department of Health • Office of Drinking Water Quality
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$57,060 median (2% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#32 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Rhode Island eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to RI Department of Health~Office of Drinking Water Quality and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Rhode Island
With a median salary of $57,060, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Rhode Island earn 2% below the national median of $58,260. Rhode Island ranks #32 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.2%Average Weekly Wage
$1,294Median annual salary
$57,060Hourly estimate
$27.432% below national median
Difference: -$1,200
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking
#32 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | $57,060 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Massachusetts | $65,620 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 1-8 years |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | No educational requirements | State-approved exam | 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Massachusetts | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Connecticut | 70 | Medium | 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
RI Department of Health • Office of Drinking Water Quality
3 Capitol Hill, Room 209, Providence, RI, 02908
Phone: 4012227781
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|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $63,010 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island?
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure in Rhode Island.
What is the typical Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Rhode Island?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Rhode Island is $57,060. Salaries range from $49,930 (10th percentile) to $79,450 (90th percentile).
How does the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Rhode Island compare to the national average?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Rhode Island earn 2% below the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $57,060.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss work in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island employs approximately 360 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?
The licensing agency is RI Department of Health / Office of Drinking Water Quality. Review agency details at https://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=273.
How often do you renew a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license in Rhode Island?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.