A septic tank servicer and sewer pipe cleaner maintains the systems that manage waste for homes and businesses. It is hands-on, in demand, and you can start with a high school education. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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You operate specialized equipment to inspect, clean, and repair septic tanks and sewer pipes. You pump out tanks, clear blockages, and identify problems that need attention. The work involves getting information from customers about their systems, making decisions about repairs, and documenting what you find. You communicate with supervisors and other team members to coordinate jobs and solve problems on site. Physical activity is constant, whether you are operating machinery or performing manual work in challenging conditions.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners earn a median of $49,880 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average for all occupations, with about 2,900 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most positions require a high school diploma or equivalent. You will learn on the job through hands-on training with experienced servicers. Many employers provide on-the-job instruction in equipment operation, safety procedures, and customer service. Some positions may require a commercial driver's license to operate service vehicles. As you gain experience, you develop the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to diagnose system issues and recommend solutions to customers.
Entry routes include starting as a helper or trainee with a septic service company. If you are exploring whether this path fits your timeline and interests, Pathly can map the septic tank servicer and sewer pipe cleaner path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a clear next step.
You are drawn to practical, hands-on work. You like operating equipment and solving real problems. You work well with others and communicate clearly about what you find and what needs fixing.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
Your free AI guide weighs this career against your strengths and goals, and surfaces the colleges, trades, and scholarships that match, so you know if it truly fits before you commit.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).