Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $56,840. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,280, indicating that regional economic factors and the specific demand within this nonmetropolitan setting influence compensation. The localized nature of essential utility services often shapes pay scales differently than in larger urban centers.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,230.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 380 individuals in this specialized field, the East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a concentrated demand for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators. The Location Quotient of 3.2 significantly exceeds the national average, suggesting that this region relies more heavily on these professionals relative to the rest of the country, pointing to a robust and stable job market for this occupation.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-5.7%below the national average.
$27.3
$1,093
$4,737
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend would likely mirror national patterns, driven by increasing infrastructure needs, evolving regulatory standards, and the ongoing demand for skilled professionals to maintain vital water systems.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
The career path for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves significant salary progression based on experience and skill. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned operators with specialized certifications and extensive experience in managing complex systems can expect to earn considerably more, with higher percentiles reflecting senior roles and greater responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $38,620 | $18.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,630 | $20.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $58,030 | $27.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $71,050 | $34.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $74,230 | $35.7 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $56,840 in East Central Illinois aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This suggests that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
2.632
Per 1K Jobs
3.2
Location Quotient
East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 3.2x the national concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 3.2 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area indicates a substantial concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This high quotient suggests a strong local demand and potentially a competitive market for skilled professionals, as the region employs a disproportionately larger number of these operators compared to other industries or regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $75,790↑ 33% | 9 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $61,890↑ 9% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $62,990↑ 11% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
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 East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $56,840. This typically ranges from $38,620 for entry-level positions to $74,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 5.7% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the salary of $56,840 is on par with the national cost of living, it falls below the national average salary for the profession. The high concentration of jobs, however, suggests strong local demand.
Is East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($75,790) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A total local workforce of 380 indicates a moderately sized but established pool of professionals. While not a massive market, the high concentration (LQ of 3.2) suggests consistent demand within this specific region.
What does a Location Quotient of 3.2 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 3.2 signifies that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are 3.2 times more concentrated in East Central Illinois than the national average. This implies a higher relative demand for these roles in the area.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $56,840 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. This means the salary is neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local living expenses.
Are Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss in high demand in this region?
Yes, the high Location Quotient of 3.2 strongly suggests that these professionals are in high demand relative to the national average, indicating a robust job market for this occupation in East Central Illinois.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.632 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salaries by State
Top Jobs in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area