In the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators earn an average annual salary of $54,620. This figure is notably below the national average of $60,280, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this nonmetropolitan setting. The localized pay scale is influenced by the cost of doing business and the availability of skilled labor in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,690.
- Outlook: The job market for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in West Central Illinois appears robust, despite a modest total local workforce of 360 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 2.55, this occupation is significantly more concentrated in this region than the national average, indicating a strong and sustained demand for these essential services. The presence of 2.095 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the importance of this role within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-9.4%below the national average.
$26.3
$1,050
$4,552
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 West Central Illinois have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. The increasing importance of water infrastructure and environmental regulations likely contributes to a steady upward pressure on compensation for skilled operators.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary Distribution in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the gap between starting and experienced roles often signifies a substantial jump in earning potential, reflecting acquired expertise, increased responsibilities, and specialized certifications that command higher compensation.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,560 | $17.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $40,965 | $19.7 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $57,460 | $27.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,275 | $32.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,690 | $31.6 |
Detailed Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $54,620 in West Central Illinois aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an operator's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not present a disadvantage.
Job Market Context
360
Total Jobs
2.095
Per 1K Jobs
2.55
Location Quotient
West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 2.5x 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 2.55 for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in West Central Illinois indicates a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the demand for these professionals is more than double the national average relative to the overall workforce, making it a specialized and potentially competitive field for employers seeking talent.
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↑ 39% | 9 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $61,890↑ 13% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary | $62,990↑ 15% | 43 mi |
Comparing salaries near West 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 West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $54,620. This typically ranges from $36,560 for entry-level positions to $65,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 9.4% lower than the national median of $60,280.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
No, not compared to the national average.While the salary of $54,620 is competitive within the region and the cost of living is average, it falls below the national average salary for this role. The high concentration of jobs, however, suggests strong local demand.
Is West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($75,790) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in West Central Illinois is $54,620, which is lower than the national average of $60,280.
What is the concentration of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in this area?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.55, meaning the occupation is more than twice as common in West Central Illinois compared to the national average.
How does the Cost of Living in West Central Illinois affect the salary?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $54,620 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.
What is the total number of Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in the area?
There are approximately 360 Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators employed in the West 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 360 employees in the West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.095 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 West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Production Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Management Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area