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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Licensing in Wisconsin

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

Estimated timeline: 1 month

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    At least 6 hours in a course or courses approved under s. Comm 5.08 that relate to the theory, operation, maintenance, and inspection of POWTS treatment and dispersal components.

  2. 2

    Education: No educational requirements.

  3. 3

    Experience: Work experience required.

  4. 4

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  5. 5

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  6. 6

    Application for Registration.

  7. 7

    An application in accordance with s.

  8. 8

    An application and registration fee in accordance with s.

  9. 9

    Information or documentation relating to the qualifications as listed below.

  10. 10

    At least 6 hours in a course or courses approved under s.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $62,360 median (7% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #15 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.; Application for Registration.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Wisconsin

With a median salary of $62,360, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Wisconsin earn 7% above the national median of $58,260. Wisconsin ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1 month.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$62,360

Hourly estimate

$29.98
7% above national median

Difference: +$4,100

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$49,410
  • P2525th percentile$54,000
  • P50Median$62,360
  • P7575th percentile$69,570
  • P9090th percentile$76,560

State vs National Median

State: $62,360
National: $58,260

Total employment: 2,110 | Annual openings: N/A

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Ranking

#15 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
Wisconsin$62,360No educational requirementsState exam required1 month
Minnesota$70,470Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$59,400Specific course requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Illinois$63,790No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Michigan$58,470Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries 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
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa66MediumDocumented experience may be required. Continuing education compliance is required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. 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

WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935

Phone: 6082662112

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Wisconsin

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$72,260Varies by state boardVaries by board
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$50,990Varies by state boardVaries by board
Carpenter$60,390Degree requiredVaries by board
Construction and Building Inspector$70,700No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1 month, 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 Wisconsin?

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators licensure in Wisconsin.

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

The median annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Wisconsin is $62,360. Salaries range from $49,410 (10th percentile) to $76,560 (90th percentile).

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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Wisconsin earn 7% above the national median of $58,260, with a state median of $62,360.

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

Wisconsin employs approximately 2,110 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.

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

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