10 Best U.S. States for Water and Wastewater Jobs in 2024

1/9/2024

Electricity. Heat. Water. Cell phone service. None of that would be possible if not for the hard work and dedication of the 560,000 utility workers who help ensure access to those everyday essentials.

With employee demand and wages both on the rise, now is a great time to build a great career as a utility worker. In fact, average industry hourly wages increased 20% from 2019 to 2023 alone.

Excavator during laying drain pipes and concrete manholes for stormwater system. Connecting trench drain to concrete manhole at construction site. Construct stormwater and underground utilities Several factors fuel demand for a variety of utility services, including population growth and new infrastructure installation, existing infrastructure replacement, and ongoing maintenance and repair. Thus, there are more employment opportunities in certain parts of the country than others. Employment opportunities may also vary depending on which segment of the broader utilities industry you’re seeking employment in.

Water & Wastewater Treatment Professionals operate systems and machines that transfer and treat water or wastewater. Employing nearly 124,000 people as a whole, the vast majority of water and wastewater treatment professionals are found within local government institutions.

Employment opportunities

The top 10 states currently employing the most water and wastewater treatment professionals are:

1. Texas

2. California

3. Florida

4. Pennsylvania

5. Arizona

6. Illinois

7. Georgia

8. Mississippi

9. New York

10. Arkansas

Wages and compensation

Water and wastewater treatment professionals earn an average of $24 per hour across the entire industry. Indiana leads the way by paying $41.26 an hour. The top 10 best-paying states for water and wastewater treatment workers are:

1. Indiana

2. Wyoming

3. New Jersey

4. Alaska

5. Massachusetts

6. California

7. Washington

8. Rhode Island

9. Connecticut

10. New Hampshire

In conclusion

Choosing the best states to seek employment as a water and wastewater professional largely depends on where you’d like to live and work. Yes, certain states offer more employment opportunities and higher wages. But the industry as a whole is growing, is in urgent need of workers, and is paying higher wages than it has ever paid before. Now is a great time to build a great career as a water and wastewater treatment professional—whichever state you choose.

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