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Verified by TX Board of Trades

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Texas

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

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Specific course required.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.

  4. 4

    Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    There are license Classes A through D with various education and training requirements.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Texas Commission on Environmental Quality • Occupational Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $48,110 median (17% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #42 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Texas 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: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Texas Commission on Environmental Quality~Occupational Licensing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Texas

With a median salary of $48,110, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Texas earn 17% below the national median of $58,260. Texas ranks #42 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,420

Median annual salary

$48,110

Hourly estimate

$23.13
17% below national median

Difference: -$10,150

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,660
  • P2525th percentile$39,950
  • P50Median$48,110
  • P7575th percentile$58,830
  • P9090th percentile$65,660

State vs National Median

State: $48,110
National: $58,260

Total employment: 10,340 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#42 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
Texas$48,110Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$41,380Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$38,310Specific course requiredThird-party exam required1 month
Louisiana$38,690No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
New Mexico$46,680Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
Texas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Arkansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Louisiana50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
New Mexico78HighBoard-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

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality • Occupational Licensing

PO Box 13087, Austin, TX, 78711-3087

Phone: 5122396301

Related Careers in Texas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$80,320No educational requirementsVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$48,660No educational requirementsVaries by board
Carpenter$48,150Specific course requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$62,110Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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 Texas?

Texas 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 Texas?

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

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

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Texas is $48,110. Salaries range from $35,660 (10th percentile) to $65,660 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Texas earn 17% below the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $48,110.

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

Texas employs approximately 10,340 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 Texas 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 Texas?

The licensing agency is Texas Commission on Environmental Quality / Occupational Licensing. Review agency details at https://www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing/licensing.

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

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