Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2024
How to Become a Septic Tank Servicer (2024)
Plumbing · 1-year apprenticeship · SOC 47-4071
Septic Tank Servicers earn a national median of $52,193 per 2024 BLS data, with the 90th percentile reaching $85,590 in Seattle. The standard path is a 1-year registered apprenticeship — paid from day one, no four-year degree required.
What Does a Septic Tank Servicer Do?
Septic tank servicers install, maintain, pump, and repair septic systems for residential and commercial properties not connected to municipal sewer systems.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Pump and clean septic tanks
- Inspect septic systems for damage and compliance
- Install new septic systems and drain fields
- Repair and replace damaged tanks and pipes
- Test soil percolation rates for new installations
The Path: How to Become a Septic Tank Servicer
- 1
Finish high school or earn a GED
Most apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED. Strong math (especially algebra and geometry) and reading skills matter for trade exams and blueprint work. - 2
Find a registered apprenticeship
Search apprenticeship.gov for registered programs in your area. Programs are sponsored by unions, contractor associations, or individual employers. Application windows are usually annual. - 3
Complete the 1-year apprenticeship
Apprentices spend roughly 2000+ hours on the job paired with a journeyman, plus 144 classroom hours per year. Pay starts around $49,110 and steps up each year — see the timeline below. - 4
Pass the journeyman exam
Most states require a written + practical exam to earn the journeyman license. The exam covers code knowledge, safety, and practical work scenarios. Pass rates vary 50-80% on the first attempt. - 5
Earn certifications and (optionally) the master license
Layer on specialty certifications (State septic system installer/pumper license) to access higher-paying work. Most states offer a master license after 2-4 additional years of journeyman experience — required for independent contracting in many states. - 6
Climb to the top decile
Top earners ($85,590 in Seattle) typically reach the 90th percentile through specialization, foreman/supervisor roles, union membership, or running a small contracting business.
Septic Tank Servicer Apprentice Pay Timeline
Hourly wage progression based on industry-standard apprenticeship pay schedules. Actual rates vary by local union or contractor agreement.
| Year | Stage | Hourly | Annual (2,080 hr) | % of Journeyman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Apprentice | $60/hr | $124,800 | 240% |
| Journeyman | Licensed | $25/hr | $52,193 | 100% |
| Master / Top 10% | Specialist / Foreman | $41/hr | $85,590 | 164% |
Required Certifications & Licenses
- ✓State septic system installer/pumper license
- ✓CDL Class B (for vacuum trucks)
- ✓OSHA 10-Hour
Skills You'll Need to Build
Work Environment
Septic servicers work outdoors in residential areas. Exposure to sewage and unpleasant conditions. Physical work involving excavation and heavy equipment.
Job Outlook
Steady demand in rural and suburban areas. EPA regulations on water quality are driving demand for system upgrades and replacements.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Septic Tank Servicer Pay by City
The highest-paying metros for septic tank servicers, with cost-of-living-adjusted pay so you can compare real take-home.
| City | Median | Top 10% | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $62,830 | $85,590 | D |
| Minneapolis, MN | $62,310 | $72,960 | D |
| San Francisco, CA | $61,960 | $101,350 | F |
| Denver, CO | $59,780 | $75,940 | D |
| New York, NY | $59,170 | $88,270 | F |
| Portland, OR | $59,170 | $74,110 | D |
| Boston, MA | $56,180 | $79,230 | F |
| Milwaukee, WI | $55,760 | $70,800 | D |
| Nashville, TN | $54,650 | $85,360 | D |
| Los Angeles, CA | $52,330 | $74,870 | F |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most septic tank servicers complete a 1-year registered apprenticeship — typically 2000+ hours of paid on-the-job training plus 144 classroom hours per year. After completing the apprenticeship and passing the journeyman exam, you can work independently. Master-level certification (where applicable) usually takes another 2-4 years of journeyman experience.
No. Septic Tank Servicers do not require a four-year college degree. The standard credential is a journeyman license earned through a paid apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Some workers complete a 1- or 2-year certificate at a community or trade college before applying — but the journeyman license is what employers actually require.
Septic Tank Servicer apprentices typically start at $49,110 per year (10th percentile) and progress upward each year of the apprenticeship. By year 2, pay usually reaches the 50th percentile around $52,193. All training is paid — apprentices are W-2 employees of contractors or unions, not students paying tuition.
Common septic tank servicer certifications include: State septic system installer/pumper license; CDL Class B (for vacuum trucks); OSHA 10-Hour. Most states also require a journeyman license; some have a separate master license for independent work.
Septic Tank Servicers earn a national median of $52,193 (Trade Pay Score grade D), wages have grown 2% over the past 5 years, and the BLS counts roughly 8,860 septic tank servicer jobs nationwide. The work is physically demanding and the apprenticeship is real, but the trade clears the bar for living-wage, debt-free career entry.
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a searchable database of registered apprenticeship programs at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Local building trades councils, IBEW/UA/IUPAT/IBB union halls, and trade school career offices also place candidates directly. Most apprenticeships have one open application window per year — check listings early.
Wage figures from BLS OEWS 2024. Apprentice pay schedules from industry-standard registered programs. Career outlook from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2032 projections.