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Water Plant Operator salary in South Africa

Average Yearly Salary of Water Plant Operator in South Africa is approximately 105,251 ZAR (5,294 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 Plant Operator do?

occupation personasA water plant operator is responsible for the efficient and safe operation of water treatment plants. They monitor and control machinery and equipment to treat and distribute water that is safe for consumption. Their duties include conducting regular inspections, adjusting chemical dosages, monitoring water quality, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. Water plant operators also maintain records, prepare reports, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Skills: Water Treatment, Plant Operator, Water Distribution, Water Quality, Chemical Dosage, Regulatory Compliance
Job industry: Water and wastewater treatment


How much does Water Plant Operator make?

Salary details
How much does Water Plant Operator make?
Estimated Yearly Salary: 105,251 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,771 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,024 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 51 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 101,980 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,498 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 1,961 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 49 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03



Water Plant Operator estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 5,294 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 441 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 102 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 USD per hour


Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately up arrow 3 %

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.

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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 Plant Operator job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Water Plant Operator in South Africa earns on average:
0.83 times the average salary (or 83% of average salary).

Is Water Plant Operator a well paid job?

Yes, our data show that Water Plant Operator is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.

What is considered a high salary for Water Plant Operator?

High salary for Water Plant Operator would be somewhere between 115,776 ZAR and 152,614 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Water Plant 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: 105,251 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 8,771 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,024 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 51 ZAR per hour
By working as Water Plant Operator a person can save up to 170 USD per month or 2,040 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 Plant Operator

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

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 up arrow+12% salary increase
    6 to 10 years of experience yields up arrow+25% salary increase
    11 to 15 years of experience yields up arrow+16% salary increase
    16 to 25 years of experience yields up arrow+9% salary increase
    more than 25 years of experience yields up arrow+10% salary increase
NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in South Africa

(1,412,867 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,176,011 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,138,908 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,102,268 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,100,784 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,077,960 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,792 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,439 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,071,922 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,071,632 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)

Data as of 2025

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