How Much Does a Water Operator Make in Illinois?

Updated March 01, 2025
As of March 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Water Operator in Illinois is $40,629. While Salary.com is seeing that Water Operator salary in IL can go up to $48,530 or down to $32,505, but most earn between $36,376 and $44,765. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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$59,290
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Similar Job Salaries to Water Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Nexus Water Group
Water-Wastewater Operator I
$65,843/yr
$58,183
$73,502
RANGE: $58,183 - $73,502
Corix
Water-Wastewater Operator I
$65,843/yr
$58,183
$73,502
RANGE: $58,183 - $73,502
American Waterworks
Water Operator II
$70,125/yr
$61,977
$78,273
RANGE: $61,977 - $78,273
Corix Group of Companies
Water-Wastewater Operator I
$65,332/yr
$57,732
$72,932
RANGE: $57,732 - $72,932
Sunshine Water Services
Water-Wastewater Operator I
$65,843/yr
$58,183
$73,502
RANGE: $58,183 - $73,502
$67,912/yr
$59,808
$76,016
RANGE: $59,808 - $76,016
Nexus Career Site
Water-Wastewater Operator I
$65,332/yr
$57,732
$72,932
RANGE: $57,732 - $72,932

Open Water Operator Jobs in Illinois

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Water Operator Jobs in Illinois

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Water Operator can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Water Operator job salaries in Illinois. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Water Operator jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Water Operator positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Water Operator salary is higher than other cities in Illinois. Chicago takes first place in this list, followed by Cicero, Evanston. The Water Operator salary is $41,661 in Chicago, which is higher than the national average. There are 20 cities' Water Operator salary higher than national average in Illinois.
The average salary for a Water Operator in Illinois is $40,629, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Water Operator jobs is Chicago, IL, and it is higher than Cicero. Water Operator jobs in Chicago can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in Illinois.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
Chicago $41,661 $3,472 $801 $20
Cicero $41,661 $3,472 $801 $20
Evanston $41,661 $3,472 $801 $20
Oak Park $41,661 $3,472 $801 $20
Skokie $41,661 $3,472 $801 $20
Oak Lawn $41,622 $3,468 $800 $20
Des Plaines $41,542 $3,462 $799 $20
Mount Prospect $41,503 $3,459 $798 $20
Aurora $41,304 $3,442 $794 $20
Hoffman Estates $41,304 $3,442 $794 $20

What Does a Water Operator Do?

If you are the responsible operator in charge for at least one community water supply you are required to report a materials inventory of service lines connected to your distribution system mains.
Updated December 07, 2021
For this reason, and to protect the financial investment of drinking water supplies, the Illinois EPA operates a Drinking Water Operator Certification Program that certifies the technical competency of operators of community water supplies.
Updated December 22, 2021
Public Water Supply: Certified Operator in Responsible Charge (CORC) Request for Information – Operator of Multiple Public Water Systems (available on the.
Updated December 22, 2021
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators manage a system of machines to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Updated December 20, 2021
These operators maintain equipment and processes to monitor and affect water as it moves through the treatment and distribution cycles.
Updated December 13, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Water Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Water Operator in Illinois?

The Water Operator salary range is from $36,376 to $44,765, and the average Water Operator salary is $40,629/year in Illinois. The Water Operator's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Water Operator salary in the United States?

The Water Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $49,843 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Water Operator's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Water Operator.

What is the growth rate of the Water Operator's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Water Operator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Water Operator.