Illinois ranks 13th of 50 states and D.C. for water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators pay, trailing top-paying California ($82,100) by $18,310 — a 29% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $45,460 to $98,820 — a $53,360 spread, 10% wider than the national $48,290 range.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators are less concentrated in Illinois than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.78 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.28× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $45,460 | $21.86 |
| 25th percentile | $55,210 | $26.54 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $63,790 | $30.67 |
| 75th percentile | $81,470 | $39.17 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $98,820 | $47.51 |
| Mean (average) | $69,250 | $33.29 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $63,790 | n/a |
| California | $82,100 | +29% |
| Nevada | $79,140 | +24% |
| Washington | $78,810 | +24% |
| Alaska | $76,910 | +21% |
| New Jersey | $75,200 | +18% |
| Connecticut | $74,450 | +17% |
| Minnesota | $70,470 | +10% |
| Colorado | $68,220 | +7% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialists | $63,590 | 6,360 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $63,590 | 1,870 |
| Training and Development Specialists | $63,550 | 14,480 |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | $64,160 | 61,000 |
| Fundraisers | $63,360 | 4,080 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $64,270 | 3,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Illinois?
The mean water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Illinois is $69,250 per year. The median (middle) salary is $63,790 per year.
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 operatorss (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $45,460 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $55,210 per year.
What is the highest Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $98,820 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $81,470 per year.
How does the Illinois Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators salary compare to the national average?
The median water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators salary in Illinois is $63,790, which is +9% above national average of $58,260.