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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Wastewater Operator in Illinois is $54,958 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Wastewater Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Wastewater Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $62,308 | $5,192 | $1,198 | $30 |
| Average | $54,958 | $4,580 | $1,057 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,921 | $4,077 | $941 | $24 |
Village of Roselle, IL - Roselle, IL
Hughes Recruiting - Lena, IL
Essential Utilities Inc - Poplar Grove, IL
Essential Utilities - Poplar Grove, IL
A Wastewater Operator'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 Wastewater Operator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Operator | $48,527 |
| Wastewate... Level Wastewater Operator | $54,417 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Operator | $61,340 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Operator | $93,935 |
| Waste Wat... Level Wastewater Operator | $107,182 |
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 Wastewater Operators. 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:
For Wastewater Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the MFG Nondurable and Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Wastewater Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Aerospace & Defense typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Wastewater Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $68,697 | $33.0 | 25% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $65,949 | $32.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $63,201 | $30.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $60,453 | $29.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $57,706 | $28.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Wastewater Operator'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 | $62,308 | $5,192 | $1,198 | $30 |
| Average | $54,958 | $4,580 | $1,057 | $26 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,921 | $4,077 | $941 | $24 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Wastewater Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Siouxland Community Health Center
SIOUX CITY, IA
Siouxland Community Health Center | SIOUX CITY, IA
1 - Full-Time Position. Hours are Monday, 8am-5pm, Tuesday 8am-8pm, Wednesday 8am-1pm, Thursday and Friday 8am-5pm. Successful candidate must have solid ex... more
7 Days Ago
City of San Diego
SAN DIEGO, CA
City of San Diego | SAN DIEGO, CA
See NOTES below for future wage increases and/or additional compensation opportunities. Wastewater Treatment Superintendent positions plan, direct, coordin... more
9 Days Ago
Cargill
FRIONA, TX
Cargill | FRIONA, TX
Cargill seeks a Wastewater Technician to operate, monitor, and maintain wastewater treatment systems at our manufacturing facility. In this role you’ll per... more
8 Days Ago
TSG - The Sheridan Group
HARTFORD, VT
TSG - The Sheridan Group
GRANTHAM, NH
TSG - The Sheridan Group
WHITE RIVER JUNCTION, VT
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