Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $57,020. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,280, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this region. The specific needs and economic conditions of nonmetropolitan South Illinois play a crucial role in shaping the pay scale for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,970.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area appears robust, evidenced by a total local workforce of 300 individuals. The location quotient of 2.64 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these professionals in the region than typically found nationwide. This suggests a strong, established demand for their specialized skills within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-5.4%below the national average.
$27.4
$1,097
$4,752
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing infrastructure investment, evolving regulatory standards, and a growing awareness of the importance of water management likely contribute to upward pressure on wages.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge and specialized certifications can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, clearly signifies opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,820 | $18.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,765 | $20.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,010 | $28.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $71,275 | $34.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $71,970 | $34.6 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $57,020 in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for professionals. While not offering a cost-of-living advantage, the salary provides a solid foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
2.167
Per 1K Jobs
2.64
Location Quotient
South Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 2.6x 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.
With a location quotient of 2.64, South Illinois nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators compared to the national average. This suggests that the demand for these specialized roles is robust and potentially outpaces the general availability of such professionals, making the market relatively favorable for those seeking employment in this sector.
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↑ 10% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near South 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 South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $57,020. This typically ranges from $37,820 for entry-level positions to $71,970 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 5.4% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
No, but it is competitive.While the average salary of $57,020 is slightly below the national average, the high location quotient of 2.64 indicates a strong concentration and demand for these roles within the region.
Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($75,790) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.
How does the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area compare to national salary averages?
The average salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $57,020, which is slightly lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the significance of the location quotient in South Illinois?
A location quotient of 2.64 means that Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are more than twice as concentrated in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average, indicating higher local demand.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in South Illinois?
The cost of living in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is at the national average (index of 100), meaning the $57,020 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national standard.
What is the total number of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in South Illinois?
There are approximately 300 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the South 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 300 employees in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.167 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 South Illinois nonmetropolitan area