How to become a Wastewater or Water Plant Operator

Operates plant to store, distribute and treat water, including purifying water for human consumption and removing wastes from sewage.

Main tasks

• Monitors and operates wastewater or water treatment processes and equipment
• Adjusts chemical dosages and treatment processes to maintain water quality
• Monitors and controls water storage and distribution systems
• Inspects and maintains wastewater or water treatment equipment and machinery
• Responds to emergencies at a wastewater treatment facility, and takes appropriate action
• Collects samples of water or wastewater for testing
• Collects and analyses data on water quality and treatment processes
• Prepares reports on plant operations and water quality

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Water Industry Operations (NWP30222); Certificate II in Water Industry Operations (NWP20122); Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services (CPC40920); Certificate IV in Waste Management (CPP40919); Certificate IV in Water Industry Operations (NWP40120); Diploma of Well Servicing Operations (RII51020)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $104,988 a year
• About 25,500 people work in this job group now, and about 27,200 are projected by 2035. (+6.9%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator
• Engineering Production Worker
• Miner
• Shot Firer
• Boiler or Engine Operator
• Bulk Materials Handling Plant Operator

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Wastewater or Water Plant Operator?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Water Industry Operations; Certificate II in Water Industry Operations.

How much does a Wastewater or Water Plant Operator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $104,988 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Wastewater or Water Plant Operator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 25,500 to about 27,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Wastewater or Water Plant Operator?

Usually not. Only 11% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Water Industry Operations; Certificate II in Water Industry Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Wastewater or Water Plant Operator?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04