Water/Wastewater Engineers
Design or oversee projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Prepare environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. Perform hydraulic modeling and pipeline design.
Common Job Titles
- Consulting Engineer
- County Engineer
- Engineer
- Project Development Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign water distribution and wastewater collection systems using hydraulic modeling software and CAD tools, ensuring regulatory compliance and system performance.Advanced
- KnowledgeDevelop flood prevention and stormwater management strategies by integrating hydrologic modeling, GIS analysis, and site-specific constraints.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize environmental documentation and technical reports for water resource projects, communicating findings to regulatory agencies and stakeholders.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate hydraulic system performance and compliance with environmental standards by analyzing field data and modeling outputs to determine conformance with regulatory requirements.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze water quality data, flow rates, and system capacity using statistical methods and engineering software to solve complex infrastructure problems.Proficient
- KnowledgeApply engineering principles and mathematical calculations to design pipeline systems, pump stations, and treatment facilities.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate client needs with regulatory requirements and sustainability principles when consulting with municipalities, developers, and interdisciplinary project teams.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for sustainable water management practices and public health protection during stakeholder negotiations and public presentations.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate hydraulic modeling software and GIS platforms, including HEC-RAS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and ESRI ArcGIS for system design and analysis.Proficient
- KnowledgeCoordinate multidisciplinary project teams and construction activities by managing schedules, budgets, and technical specifications across water infrastructure projects.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess existing water and wastewater infrastructure for capacity and condition by conducting field inspections and data analysis to prioritize rehabilitation needs.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Water/Wastewater Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
355,410
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $65,920. 25th percentile: U.S. $78,790. 50th percentile: U.S. $99,590. 75th percentile: U.S. $128,290. 90th percentile: U.S. $160,990. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $65,920 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $160,990 |
| Workers on average earn | $107,050 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Engineering and Technology4.7/5
- Design4.5/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Mathematics4.2/5
- Building and Construction3.8/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Autodesk Revit
- Bash
- Bentley MicroStation
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Word
- Mozilla Firefox
- Oracle Java
- Python
- SAP software
- Structured query language SQL
Technology Skills
- Bentley GEOPAK Civil Engineering Suite
- Bentley InRoads Suite
- Bentley SewerCAD
- Bentley StormCAD
- Bentley WaterCAD
- Business software applications
- Computer aided design and drafting software CADD
- DHI MIKE URBAN
Tools & Equipment
- Computer data input scanners
- Computer laser printers
- Desktop computers
- Digitizers
- Laptop computers
- Large-format plotters
- Personal computers