The average salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $61,890. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,890 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,940.
- Outlook: The current demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 80 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Champaign-Urbana, IL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Champaign-Urbana, IL earns+2.7%above the national average.
$29.8
$1,190
$5,158
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salaries in Champaign-Urbana, IL have remained stable with a modest increase of 2.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Champaign-Urbana, IL
The earning potential for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in Champaign-Urbana, IL varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $44,460, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $80,940.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $44,460 | $21.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,418 | $22.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $61,210 | $29.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $77,363 | $37.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $80,940 | $38.9 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,890
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,890
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Champaign-Urbana, IL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $61,890 to $61,890.
Job Market Context
80
Total Jobs
0.774
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Champaign-Urbana, IL has 0.94x the national average concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
80 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Champaign-Urbana, IL.
Only 0.774 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Comparing salaries near Champaign-Urbana, IL
Hiring Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $61,890. This typically ranges from $44,460 for entry-level positions to $80,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 2.7% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a good place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, Champaign-Urbana, IL is financially attractive for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss. The average salary of $61,890 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Champaign-Urbana, IL?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area ($54,620) and East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 80 employees in the Champaign-Urbana, IL area with a job density of 0.774 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Champaign-Urbana, IL