Massachusetts requires a state-level water treatment operator license. The licensing authority is State Dept of Environmental Quality. The median salary is $65,172 per year.
Last updated 2026-05-08
Massachusetts requires a water treatment operator to hold a state license. Operate and maintain water treatment plants to ensure safe drinking water supply. Licensing is administered by the State Dept of Environmental Quality.
| Minimum Age | 18 years old |
| Education | State-approved training + operator-in-training period |
| Experience Details | State-approved training + operator-in-training period |
Massachusetts requires passing the Massachusetts Water Treatment Operator Certification Exam with a minimum score of 70%. The application fee is $50.
| Exam Name | Massachusetts Water Treatment Operator Certification Exam |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Code Edition | Water Treatment Operator Certification Exam |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Getting licensed as a water treatment operator in Massachusetts takes 24 months on the typical path. Here are the steps.
The total cost includes an exam application fee of $50 and renewal fees of $50 every 2 years. Continuing education of 20 hours is required per renewal cycle.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Exam Application | $50 |
| License Renewal | $50 every 2 years |
| Continuing Education | 20 hours |
Water Treatment Operators in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $65,172, which is less than the national average. Data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
| Mean (average) | — / year |
| Entry level (10th pct) | — |
| Top earners (90th pct) | — |
| Total employed | — in Massachusetts |
| National average | $53,420 |
Yes — Massachusetts requires a state-level water treatment operator license. Operate and maintain water treatment plants to ensure safe drinking water supply.
The required exam is the Massachusetts Water Treatment Operator Certification Exam. You need a score of 70% to pass. The exam fee is $50.
The median annual salary for water treatment operators in Massachusetts is $65,172. The national median is $53,420.
Massachusetts requires 20 hours of continuing education for license renewal every 2 years.
The fastest path takes approximately 6 months. The typical path takes 24 months including experience requirements.