Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using water storage, waterpower, and wastewater treatment systems. Includes instruction in water storage, power and/or treatment systems and equipment; testing and inspection procedures; system maintenance procedures; and report preparation.
- Schools offering
- 49
- Annual completions
- 256
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $61k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing and using water storage, waterpower, and wastewater treatment systems. Includes instruction in water storage, power and/or treatment systems and equipment; testing and inspection procedures; system maintenance procedures; and report preparation.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators | $58k | -6.5% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Environmental science and protection technicians, including health | $49k | +4.0% | Associate's degree |
| Environmental engineering technologists and technicians | $59k | +1.2% | Associate's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$61k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$58k
Bachelor's
$69k
Top colleges for Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santiago Canyon College | Orange, CA | 41 | 0 | 41 |
| San Bernardino Valley College | San Bernardino, CA | 26 | 0 | 26 |
| Citrus College | Glendora, CA | 18 | 0 | 18 |
| College of the Canyons | Santa Clarita, CA | 16 | 0 | 16 |
| Los Angeles Trade Technical College | Los Angeles, CA | 13 | 0 | 13 |
| Palomar College | San Marcos, CA | 12 | 0 | 12 |
| Ventura College | Ventura, CA | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Mt San Jacinto Community College District | San Jacinto, CA | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | Lancaster, PA | 11 | 0 | 11 |
| Gavilan College | Gilroy, CA | 9 | 0 | 9 |
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