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Career Profile

Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners

What they do:

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.

Also Called:

Drain Cleaner, Drain Technician, Public Works Technician, Septic Cleaner, Septic Pump Truck Driver, Septic Tank Service Technician, Service Technician, Sewer Bricklayer, Drain Cleaner, Drain Technician, Public Works Technician, Septic Cleaner, Septic Pump Truck Driver, Septic Tank Service Technician, Service Technician, Sewer Bricklayer

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$37,040
Starting Salary (2025)
$49,880
Median Salary (2025)
7.6%
Projected Job Growth
30,650
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Drive trucks to transport crews, materials, and equipment.
Communicate with supervisors and other workers, using equipment such as wireless phones, pagers, or radio telephones.
Service, adjust, and make minor repairs to equipment, machines, and attachments.
Clean and repair septic tanks, sewer lines, or related structures such as manholes, culverts, and catch basins.
Dig out sewer lines manually, using shovels.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Independence
Cooperation
Self-Control

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Troubleshooting
Active Listening
Quality Control Analysis

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Transportation

Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Common Activities

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Performing General Physical Activities

Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 1

Little or No Preparation Needed

Education

Some of these occupations may require a high school diploma or GED certificate.

Experience

Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker could show you how to do the job.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 40%
  • Less than high school 37%
  • Post-secondary certificate 22%
  • Some college 0%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.