As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Computer Operator I in Illinois is $49,881 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Computer Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Computer Operator I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $55,209 | $4,601 | $1,062 | $27 |
| Average | $49,881 | $4,157 | $959 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,967 | $3,747 | $865 | $22 |
Sonoma Consulting Inc - Glenview, IL
Modern Woodmen of America - Silvis, IL
Modern Woodmen - Rock Island, IL
Guru Schools - Chicago, IL
A Computer Operator I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Computer Operator I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Operator I | 0-1 years | $49,881 |
| Computer Operator II | 1-3 years | $62,530 |
| Computer Operator III | 3-5 years | $69,371 |
| Computer Operations Shift Supervisor | 5+ years | $93,406 |
| Computer Operations Supervisor | 5+ years | $111,535 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Computer Operator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
Computer Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $55,792. While startup companies pay approximate $47,183.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $47,183 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $49,904 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $53,878 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $55,792 |
For Computer Operator I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Computer Operator positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Computer Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $54,870 | $26.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $54,870 | $26.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $54,870 | $26.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $54,870 | $26.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $54,870 | $26.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Computer Operator I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $55,209 | $4,601 | $1,062 | $27 |
| Average | $49,881 | $4,157 | $959 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,967 | $3,747 | $865 | $22 |
For a Computer Operator I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Computer Operator II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $62,530 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Computer Operator I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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