Application Fee
See agencyVerified by VA Board of Trades
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Virginia
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators in Virginia, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Virginia
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Experience: Work experience required.
- 2
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$58,920 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Virginia eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
- 2. Complete approved education or training requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation~Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Virginia
With a median salary of $58,920, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Virginia earn 1% above the national median of $58,260. Virginia ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+1.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,471Median annual salary
$58,920Hourly estimate
$28.331% above national median
Difference: +$660
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking
#25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | $58,920 | Varies by state board | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Maryland | $58,740 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| West Virginia | $43,960 | No educational requirements | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Kentucky | $47,700 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Tennessee | $50,760 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| North Carolina | $49,710 | Varies by state board | No exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| West Virginia | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | 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. |
| North Carolina | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- 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
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation • Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA, 23233-1485
Phone: 8043675354
Related Careers in Virginia
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $80,770 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $56,320 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Carpenter | $50,220 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Construction and Building Inspector | $69,960 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Virginia lists Third-party 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 Virginia?
The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Virginia is $58,920. Salaries range from $38,480 (10th percentile) to $79,180 (90th percentile).
How does the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Virginia earn 1% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $58,920.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss work in Virginia?
Virginia employs approximately 3,390 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 Virginia 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 Virginia?
The licensing agency is Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation / Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals. Review agency details at https://www.dpor.virginia.gov/Boards/WWWOOSSP/.
How often do you renew a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators license in Virginia?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.