Home > Salary > South Africa > Water Operator
A water operator is responsible for the operation and maintenance of water treatment and distribution systems. They ensure that clean and safe water is supplied to homes, businesses, and industries. Their duties include monitoring water quality, conducting tests, adjusting chemical levels, repairing equipment, and maintaining records of water usage. Water operators also respond to emergencies such as leaks or system failures, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective measures. They may work in water treatment plants, pumping stations, or distribution centers.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 94,723 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,894 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,822 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 46 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,637 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,762 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 44 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-05
Estimated Yearly Salary: 4,733 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 394 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 91 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 2 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 94,723 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,894 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,822 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 46 ZAR per hour
By working as Water Operator a person can save up to 123 USD per month or 1,479 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Water Operator
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Water Operator salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Water Operator in South Africa is approximately 94,723 ZAR (4,733 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Water Operator do?

Skills: Water operator, Water treatment, Water distribution, Water quality, Maintenance, Emergency response
Job industry: Water and wastewater treatment
Job industry: Water and wastewater treatment
How much does Water Operator make?
Salary details
How much does Water Operator make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 94,723 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,894 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,822 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 46 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 91,640 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 7,637 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,762 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 44 ZAR per hour
Water Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 4,733 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 394 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 91 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 2 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Water Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Water Operator in South Africa earns on average:
0.75 times the average salary (or 75% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Water Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Water Operator in South Africa earns on average:
0.75 times the average salary (or 75% of average salary).
Is Water Operator a well paid job?
No, our data shows that Water Operator is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Water Operator might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.What is considered a high salary for Water Operator?
High salary for Water Operator would be somewhere between 104,195 ZAR and 137,348 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Water Operator in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 94,723 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 7,894 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,822 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 46 ZAR per hour
By working as Water Operator a person can save up to 123 USD per month or 1,479 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Water Operator
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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