Water and wastewater operators keep treatment plants, distribution systems, and collection systems running every day. It’s one of the most in-demand paths in the industry, and most utilities cover the cost of training and licensing.
Careers in Water
The water industry needs skilled, dedicated people in all kinds of roles, not just in a treatment plant. From engineers and lab scientists to electricians and utility managers, there are many ways to build a meaningful career keeping South Carolina's water and wastewater systems running.
Water Industry Career Opportunities
The water industry offers diverse career paths with competitive salaries and opportunities for growth. Explore some of the positions available in South Carolina’s water sector below.
Careers Requiring a College Degree
Biologist
Studying living organisms in the environment.
Salary Range: $52,000 – $153,000
Accountant
Examine and analyze financial records for the water industry.
Salary Range: $44,000 – $111,000
Chemist
Analyze quality and condition of water.
Salary Range: $50,000 – $130,000
Hydrologist
Study distribution, movement, and quality of water.
Salary Range: $45,000 – $110,000
Water Resources Engineer
Analyze and design water networks from natural and manmade infrastructure.
Salary Range: $60,000 – $160,000
Environmental Engineer
Analyze, design, and maintain means to protect the environment and ensure sustainability.
Salary Range: $45,000 – $150,000
Water / Wastewater Engineer
Designs water and wastewater treatment systems.
Salary Range: $60,000 – $160,000
Engineering Technician
Analyze, assist with design, inspect, and coordinate project pieces.
Salary Range: $30,000 – $100,000
Communications Professional
Crafts and delivers information to promote the organization’s image, mission, and objectives.
Salary Range: $30,000 – $100,000
Environmental Compliance Specialist
Examines, evaluates, and investigates conformity with laws and regulations to protect the environment.
Salary Range: $40,000 – $110,000
Laboratory Technician
Performs compliance testing and monitors for contamination of water applications.
Salary Range: $25,000 – $75,000
Safety Compliance Manager
Develops and maintains regulatory and compliance programs to ensure the safety of people and assets.
Salary Range: $30,000 – $75,000
Surveyor
Measure, survey, and map land features for design and construction of water applications.
Salary Range: $37,000 – $90,000
SCADA Specialist
Designs, installs, and maintains systems for monitoring and analyzing devices or processes.
Salary Range: $40,000 – $180,000
Utility Management
Manages the overall operation of a water/wastewater system or organization.
Salary Range: $50,000 – $175,000
Utility Maintenance
Install, repair, and maintain utilities.
Salary Range: $25,000 – $67,000
GIS Specialist
Data and asset management for infrastructure.
Salary Range: $53,000 – $155,000
Careers with a High School Diploma / On-the-Job Training
Operator (Water Treatment, Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment, and Wastewater Collection)
Analyzes, operates, and maintains water and wastewater treatment, distribution, and collection systems. No four-year degree required, most utilities cover training and license costs.
CAD/Drafter Technician
Drafting (drawing) of various project types using computer software.
Salary Range: $40,000 – $80,000
Administrative Assistant
Uses various resources to help an organization operate efficiently.
Salary Range: $25,000 – $80,000
Customer Service Representative
Effectively assists customers with questions and needs of the organization.
Salary Range: $25,000 – $50,000
Pipe Fitter/Layer
Installs new pipe/pipe infrastructure using various methods and tools.
Salary Range: $30,000 – $80,000
Electrician
Install, maintain, and repair electrical power for water applications.
Salary Range: $30,000 – $80,000
Plumber
Install and repair water, gas, and other piping systems inside facilities.
Salary Range: $30,000 – $80,000
Construction Inspector
Inspects progress, compliance, application techniques, and materials for new water infrastructure.
Salary Range: $30,000 – $80,000
Utility Locator
Locates all underground utilities in an area to avoid conflicts during construction.
Salary Range: $25,000 – $60,000
*Salary ranges are estimates and vary based on experience, education, location, and specific employer.
