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Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary in Illinois

How much does a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$63,790
Median Annual Salary
$69,250
Mean Salary
$63,790
Median Salary
$30.67
Hourly Rate
3,870 people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois

About This Job: Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.88
Operation and Control
3.75
Monitoring
3.62
Active Listening
3.38
Quality Control Analysis
3.38

Key Knowledge Areas

Chemistry
3.98
Biology
3.9
Mechanical
3.89
Mathematics
3.62
Public Safety and Security
3.48
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (41.8% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois

Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois range from $45,460 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $98,820 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $55,210 and $81,470.

Median $63,790
P10: $45,460 P25: $55,210 P75: $81,470 P90: $98,820
10th
$45,460
25th
$55,210
Median
$63,790
75th
$81,470
90th
$98,820
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $45,460 $21.86 $3,788
25th Percentile $55,210 $26.54 $4,600
Median (50th) $63,790 $30.67 $5,315
75th Percentile $81,470 $39.17 $6,789
90th Percentile (Experienced) $98,820 $47.51 $8,235

Note: The mean (average) salary of $69,250 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators Salary by State

Compare Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

California $82,100 Nevada $79,140 Washington $78,810 Alaska $76,910 New Jersey $75,200 Connecticut $74,450 Minnesota $70,470 Colorado $68,220 New Hampshire $66,240 Hawaii $65,800

View all 50 states →

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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 $63,790 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $69,250.
What is the salary range for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois?
Salaries for Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois range from $45,460 at the 10th percentile to $98,820 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $55,210 and $81,470.
What is the starting salary for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois?
Entry-level Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators positions in Illinois typically start around $45,460 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $55,210 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 3,870 people are employed as Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators in Illinois is approximately $30.67 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS