As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Certified Water Operator in Illinois is $49,446 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Certified Water Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Certified Water Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $55,749 | $4,646 | $1,072 | $27 |
| Average | $49,446 | $4,120 | $951 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,736 | $3,895 | $899 | $22 |
Sperry Rail - Chicago, IL
Essential Utilities - Poplar Grove, IL
City of North Chicago - Great Lakes, IL
Essential Utilities - Poplar Grove, IL
A Certified Water Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Certified Water 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:
Understanding how a Certified Water 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 | $55,749 | $4,646 | $1,072 | $27 |
| Average | $49,446 | $4,120 | $951 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,736 | $3,895 | $899 | $22 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Certified Water Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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