Septic Tank Servicer

Your Fit

Income

$49K

Preparation

Minimal

Growth

7.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Septic Tank Servicer?

Septic Tank Servicers are skilled technicians who specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing septic systems and sewer lines. They ensure these systems operate effectively and meet health and safety standards.

Sample job titles:

Drain Cleaner, Septic Pump Truck Driver, Septic Tank Service Technician, Service Technician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Septic Tank Servicer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Septic Tank Servicer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$36K per year	$43K per year	$49K per year	$60K per year	$74K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $360 below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Septic Tank Servicer do?

Work environment

The work environment for Septic Tank Servicers typically involves outdoor settings, including residential, commercial, and rural areas. The job can be physically demanding and sometimes unpleasant due to the nature of waste material handling. Servicers often work in all weather conditions and may be required to enter confined spaces.

Quick task list

Inspects septic systems and sewer lines for damage or malfunctions.
Pumps and cleans septic tanks, cesspools, and grease traps.
Repairs or replaces damaged pipes, fittings, and other system components.
Installs new septic systems and sewer lines.
Maintains records of inspections and repairs.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Residential Septic Services: Focusing on septic systems in private homes.
Commercial Septic Services: Specializing in larger septic systems in commercial settings.
Septic System Installation: Concentrating on the installation of new septic systems.
Septic System Repair and Maintenance: Providing ongoing maintenance and emergency repair services.
Environmental Compliance: Ensuring septic systems comply with environmental regulations and standards.

Description

Septic Tank Servicers play a critical role in public health and environmental protection. Their work involves a deep understanding of septic systems, including their design, function, and the regulations governing them. The occupation requires both technical skills, for tasks such as system installation and repair, and analytical skills, for diagnosing issues and determining appropriate solutions.

This career is not just about working with septic systems; it's also about customer service and education. Servicers often advise homeowners and businesses on proper septic system care and maintenance. They need to be able to communicate complex information in a way that is understandable to clients who may not have technical backgrounds.

The job of a Septic Tank Servicer can be physically strenuous and sometimes unsanitary. However, it offers the satisfaction of solving practical problems and ensuring the health and safety of communities. Those in this field often enjoy a degree of independence in their work and may have the opportunity to run their own service businesses.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to public health and environmental safety.
Problem-solving and the satisfaction of fixing complex issues.
Variety in daily tasks and work locations.

You might make a good Septic Tank Servicer if you are...

Comfortable with physical labor and working outdoors.
Interested in mechanical systems and problem-solving.
Able to handle unpleasant tasks and maintain a focus on the end goal.
Good at communicating with customers and providing service.
Interested in a career with potential for independence and entrepreneurship.

Pros:

High demand for services.
Opportunities for self-employment and business ownership.
Variety in daily work and locations.

Cons:

Physically demanding and sometimes unpleasant work.
Exposure to health and safety hazards.
Working in all weather conditions and sometimes in confined spaces.

How to become a Septic Tank Servicer

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually sufficient for entry-level positions. Most of the training is done on the job, although some technical schools offer courses in septic system installation and maintenance. Certifications in the field can be beneficial for career advancement.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes or vocational training for basic plumbing and mechanical skills.
Science courses, especially biology and environmental science.
Mathematics for measurements and calculations.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in hands-on workshops or maker fairs.
Volunteering for community cleanup or public health initiatives.
Joining clubs related to environmental science or mechanics.

Preparation after high school

Technical or vocational school training in plumbing, septic system installation, or environmental technology.
Apprenticeships or on-the-job training with experienced septic system servicers.
Obtaining certifications related to septic system servicing and environmental compliance.

More resources

National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) - Offers training and certification programs for septic system professionals.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET Online) - Provides detailed job descriptions and educational pathways for septic tank servicers.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Septic Systems - Provides information on septic system maintenance and environmental impact.
National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) - A professional organization offering resources, education, and advocacy for the onsite wastewater industry.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.