Average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Illinois
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $69,250, significantly surpassing the national average of $60,280. This higher compensation in Illinois can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's robust industrial infrastructure, stringent environmental regulations, and the critical nature of maintaining public health through reliable water and wastewater services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,820.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,870 individuals, Illinois demonstrates a substantial presence in this essential sector. The Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of professionals indicates a stable and ongoing demand for skilled operators to manage and maintain the state's vital water infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois earns+14.9%above the national average.
$33.3
$1,332
$5,771
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 Illinois have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is typically driven by increasing regulatory requirements, the aging of existing infrastructure, and the growing need for specialized expertise in managing complex treatment systems, all of which contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in Illinois
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and years of operational expertise can command salaries well above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles, often reflected in salary percentiles, clearly signifies substantial career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $45,460 | $21.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $51,938 | $25 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $63,790 | $30.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $86,563 | $41.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $98,820 | $47.5 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$75,436
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
The average annual salary of $69,250 in Illinois presents a favorable financial standing when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in Illinois is likely higher than in a more expensive state, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle and greater disposable income.
Job Market Context
3,870
Total Jobs
0.638
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Illinois has 0.78x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.78 indicates that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are slightly less concentrated in Illinois compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified individuals seeking employment without facing extreme competition.
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↑ 9% | 9 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $61,890↓ 11% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $62,990↓ 9% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near Illinois
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 Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois is $69,250. This typically ranges from $45,460 for entry-level positions to $98,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 14.9% higher than the national median of $60,280.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operatorss?
Yes, Illinois offers lucrative opportunities for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators.The average salary of $69,250 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is below the national average, enhancing purchasing power.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($75,790) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.
How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average?
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois earn an average of $69,250 annually, which is approximately $9,000 more than the national average of $60,280.
What is the cost of living in Illinois relative to the national average?
Illinois has a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is lower than the national average of 100, indicating that everyday expenses are generally more affordable in the state.
How many Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are there in Illinois?
There are approximately 3,870 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in Illinois.
Is the job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois competitive?
With a Location Quotient of 0.78, the market is slightly less concentrated than the national average, suggesting a balanced job market with potential opportunities for skilled professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,870 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.638 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 Illinois