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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Washington

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

Estimated timeline: 1-4 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Individuals must meet required minimum education (including continuing education) and experience requirements and pass the required computer-based examination.

  6. 6

    There aer five levels of wastewater certification (operator-in-training (OIT), and groups I-IV).

  7. 7

    Each level requires a different level of education.

  8. 8

    Required fees are $140 for the application, examination and the examination administration fee.

  9. 9

    OIT requires 3 months of domestic wastewater treatment plant operating experience, 3 college credits or continuing education uinits relevant to wastewater.

  10. 10

    Group I required 1 years of domestic wastewater treatment plant operating experience.

Exam and processing details

  • pass the required computer-based examination

Continuing education and program notes

  • continuing education) and experience requirements and pass the required computer-based examination
Fee TypeAmount
Required fees$140

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Ecology

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $78,810 median (35% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #3 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (8)

  1. 1. Meet Washington 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 pass the required computer-based examination.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Required fees are $140 for the application, examination and the examination administration fee.).
  6. 6. Budget filing costs (Required fees: $140).
  7. 7. Submit the application to Department of Ecology and monitor board communications.
  8. 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Washington

With a median salary of $78,810, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Washington earn 35% above the national median of $58,260. Washington ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-4 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,837

Median annual salary

$78,810

Hourly estimate

$37.89
35% above national median

Difference: +$20,550

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$54,990
  • P2525th percentile$64,880
  • P50Median$78,810
  • P7575th percentile$92,520
  • P9090th percentile$101,450

State vs National Median

State: $78,810
National: $58,260

Total employment: 1,950 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#3 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
Washington$78,810Degree requiredState exam required1-4 years
Idaho$53,250No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Oregon$64,500Varies 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
Washington50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-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

Department of Ecology

300 Desmond Dr, Lacey, WA, 98503-1274

Phone: 3604076000

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Washington

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$85,010No educational requirements8 years
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$57,790No educational requirements8 years
Carpenter$73,260Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$89,360Specific course requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-4 years, 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 Washington?

Washington 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 Washington?

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

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

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Washington is $78,810. Salaries range from $54,990 (10th percentile) to $101,450 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Washington earn 35% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $78,810.

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

Washington employs approximately 1,950 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 Washington 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 Washington?

The licensing agency is Department of Ecology. Review agency details at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/.

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

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