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Public Health

Septic Tank Servicer and Sewer Pipe Cleaner

Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or drains. May patch walls and partitions of tank, replace damaged drain tile, or repair breaks in underground piping.

Annual openings

84

Median wage

$51,700

Typical education

High school (GED).

Growth 2026–2032

+9%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED).

Credential requirement

A certification is valued by many employers.

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required. However, full or part-time work experience developing the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is valued.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsYes
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Trades
  • Construction

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Inspect manholes to locate sewer line stoppages.
  2. Prepare and keep records of actions taken, including maintenance and repair work.
  3. Measure excavation sites, using plumbers' snakes, tapelines, or lengths of cutting heads within sewers, and mark areas for digging.
  4. Communicate with supervisors and other workers, using equipment such as wireless phones, pagers, or radio telephones.
  5. Dig out sewer lines manually, using shovels.
  6. Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.
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