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How to become septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleanerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Construction Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$49,880
25th–75th pct. $43,530–$61,060
Top pay (est.)
$95,500
Top 10% $73,490
Pay in 5 years
$59,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$70,100est.
$60,300–$81,400
Outlook score
64/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
13%
Very low
Job growth (10 yr)
+7.8%
2,800 openings / yr

How to become septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

Key skills

Repairing
3.1
Operation and Control
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0
Operations Monitoring
3.0
Complex Problem Solving
3.0
Equipment Maintenance
2.9
Time Management
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Customer and Personal Service
4.5
Mechanical
4.0
Transportation
3.8
Administration and Management
3.0
Education and Training
3.0
Engineering and Technology
3.0
Mathematics
2.9
Building and Construction
2.9

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public

Important abilities

Control PrecisionReaction TimeTrunk StrengthOral ComprehensionNear VisionStatic Strength

Education of workers

High school diploma
40%
Less than high school
37%
Post-secondary certificate
22%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
40%
None / short demo
25%
1–3 months
13%
6–12 months
10%
1–2 years
7%
3–6 months
3%
2–4 years
1%

Related work experience

None
35%
Up to 1 month
14%
1–2 years
14%
2–4 years
14%
1–3 months
10%
3–6 months
9%
6–12 months
2%
4–6 years
1%
6–8 years
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.