Safety & Environmental career

Septic Tank Technician

Also called: Septic Service Technician · Sewer Pipe Cleaner · Septic Pumper · Drain Cleaning Technician

What septic tank technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a septic tank technician do?

Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners pump and clean septic tanks, inspect systems, clear blocked sewer lines and help keep wastewater from contaminating homes and the environment. The median pay is $49,880 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–6 months on the job, and employment is projected to grow +7.8% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $49,880
    $23.98/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +7.8%
    2025–35, much faster than average
  • Openings per year
    2,800
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    High school diploma or equivalent
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    1–6 months on the job
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    31,900
    Employment, 2025

What septic tank technicians do

Septic tank technicians keep wastewater systems working. They pump tanks with vacuum trucks, inspect tanks and drain fields, locate and repair problems, and use jetters, cables and cameras to clear and inspect sewer lines. Many also install risers, filters and new systems and help with real estate inspections.

Most technicians learn on the job, and many states require septage hauler licenses or certifications. A commercial driver’s license is often needed for vacuum trucks. The work is unglamorous but essential, steady and well suited to people who want to work outdoors and solve problems.

Typical duties

  • Pump septic tanks with vacuum trucks
  • Inspect tanks, baffles and filters
  • Locate and uncover tanks and lids
  • Clear blocked sewer lines with jetters and cables
  • Inspect lines with sewer cameras
  • Repair or replace components
  • Dispose of septage at approved facilities and keep records

Work environment and schedule

Technicians work outdoors at homes, businesses and job sites, and drive heavy trucks. The work involves digging, lifting hoses and exposure to sewage and gases.

Schedule: Most work full-time days, with some emergency calls after hours and on weekends.

A day in the life

  1. Inspect the vacuum truck and review the day’s service calls.
  2. Locate and dig up a buried septic lid at a rural home.
  3. Pump the tank and inspect inlet and outlet baffles.
  4. Clear a sewer line blockage with a hydro jetter.

See a full day in the life of a septic tank technician →

Septic Tank Technician salary

Half of septic tank technicians earned more than $49,880 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $37,040 for the lowest 10% to $73,490 for the top 10%.

Full septic tank technician pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a septic tank technician

  1. Get a driver’s license and clean record
  2. Start as a helper
  3. Get licensed
  4. Learn jetting and cameras
  5. Advance

A high school diploma is typical. Most technicians learn on the job. Many states require septage hauling licenses or inspector certifications, and vacuum trucks often require a CDL.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a septic tank technician →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Vacuum truck operation
  • Septic system inspection
  • Sewer jetting and cabling
  • Camera inspection
  • Basic plumbing

People skills

  • Customer service
  • Problem solving
  • Reliability
  • Independence

All septic tank technician skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Steady, essential work
  • Learn on the job
  • Outdoor problem solving
  • Opportunities to own a business

Cons

  • Dirty, smelly work
  • Exposure to sewage and gases
  • Physical digging and lifting
  • Emergency calls

Certifications and licenses

  • State septage hauler license: Required in many states to pump and transport septage.
  • NAWT certifications: National Association of Wastewater Technicians inspector, installer and pumper credentials.
  • Commercial driver’s license (CDL): Required for many vacuum trucks.
  • Confined space awareness: Training on hazards of tanks and manholes.

Career path

  1. Septic Helper: Dig, assist and learn.
  2. Septic Technician: Pump and service systems.
  3. Inspector or Line Specialist: Inspect systems and run jetting and camera work.
  4. Supervisor or Business Owner: Lead crews or own a service company.

Learn the job before day one

Our Septic Tank Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as pump a septic tank and clear a sewer line with a jetter, safety and how to land your first job.

View Septic Tank Technician trainingIs this career right for me?

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Compare: Septic Tank Technician vs. Plumber · Septic Tank Technician vs. Water Operator · Septic Tank Technician vs. Health Inspector · Septic Tank Technician vs. Refuse Collector

Septic Tank Technician FAQ

Do septic techs need a license?

Many states require septage hauler licenses.

Is a CDL required?

Often, for larger vacuum trucks.

Is the work steady?

Yes. Septic systems need regular pumping and repairs.

How much does a septic tank technician make?

The median annual wage for septic tank technicians was $49,880 ($23.98 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,040 and the highest 10% earned more than $73,490.

How long does it take to become a septic tank technician?

Most people need about 1–6 months on the job of training. A high school diploma is typical. Most technicians learn on the job. Many states require septage hauling licenses or inspector certifications, and vacuum trucks often require a CDL.

Do you need a degree to be a septic tank technician?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

More septic tank technician questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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