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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Processing Operator in Illinois is $56,170 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.
However, a Processing Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Processing Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $64,140 | $5,345 | $1,233 | $31 |
| Average | $56,170 | $4,681 | $1,080 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,737 | $4,311 | $995 | $25 |
StaffQuick - Flora, IL
Mars, Incorporated - Yorkville, IL
Mars, Incorporated - Yorkville, IL
Mars, Incorporated - Yorkville, IL
A Processing 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 Processing 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 |
|---|---|
| Chemical ... Level Processing Operator | $44,947 |
| Processin... Level Processing Operator | $55,584 |
| Chemical ... Level Processing Operator | $61,295 |
| Chemical ... Level Processing Operator | $93,236 |
| Chemical ... Level Processing Operator | $129,336 |
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 Processing 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 Processing Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Processing Operator positions in Internet or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Processing Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $73,021 | $35.0 | 30% |
| Construction | $67,404 | $32.0 | 20% |
| Telecom | $64,596 | $31.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $61,787 | $30.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $61,787 | $30.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Processing 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 | $64,140 | $5,345 | $1,233 | $31 |
| Average | $56,170 | $4,681 | $1,080 | $27 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,737 | $4,311 | $995 | $25 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Processing Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Woodland Foods
Waukegan, IL
Woodland Foods | Waukegan, IL
Title: Batch Mixer / Processing OperatorFLSA Status: Non-ExemptReports to: Production SupervisorSupervises: N/ATravel: As needed according to the essential... more
6 Days Ago
Woodland Foods
Waukegan, IL
Woodland Foods | Waukegan, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Title. Batch Mixer / Processing Operator. FLSA Status. Non-Exempt. Reports to. Production Supervisor. Supervises. N/A. Tr... more
6 Days Ago
Specialized Staffing Solutions
Addison, IL
Specialized Staffing Solutions | Addison, IL
Job Description. Job Description. We are currently looking for a machine operator in meat manufacturing and general understanding of machine operation for ... more
4 Days Ago
Lucky Vitamin
Bloomingdale, IL
Lucky Vitamin | Bloomingdale, IL
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.Operates and performs changeovers on the lines/equipment within r... more
6 Days Ago
KOCH FOODS
MORTON, MS
KOCH FOODS | MORTON, MS
As a Processing Plant Supervisor at Koch Foods, you will oversee the daily operations at one of our leading poultry processing facilities. This pivotal rol... more
2 Days Ago
Sazerac Company
LISBON FALLS, ME
Sazerac Company | LISBON FALLS, ME
Sazerac Company Overview: Build your career at Sazerac. With almost 400 years of rich history, Sazerac Company has thrived as an independent, American fami... more
2 Days Ago
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