Water Treatment Operator Salary in Illinois (2025)
Water Treatment Operators in Illinois earn a median salary of $61,200 per year, or $29.41/hr. The state has roughly 5,174 water treatment operator jobs with a projected growth rate of 3.5% over the next decade.
Water Treatment Operator Pay by Experience Level in Illinois
Where you are in your career makes a big difference. Apprentices in Illinois start lower but can expect significant raises as they move toward journeyman and master credentials.
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $17.65/hr | $36,700/yr |
| Journeyman | $29.41/hr | $61,200/yr |
| Master | $38.23/hr | $79,500/yr |
| Foreman | $41.17/hr | $85,600/yr |
Apprentice
Hourly
$17.65
Annual
$36,700
Journeyman
Hourly
$29.41
Annual
$61,200
Master
Hourly
$38.23
Annual
$79,500
Foreman
Hourly
$41.17
Annual
$85,600
Union vs. Non-Union Water Treatment Operator Pay in Illinois
Union membership can have a major impact on your take-home pay in Illinois. The numbers below compare average hourly rates for union and non-union water treatment operators in the state.
Union vs. Non-Union Pay
Average hourly rate for water treatment operators
Union water treatment operators earn $5.29/hr more (18.5% premium)
Highest-Paying Cities for Water Treatment Operators in Illinois
Metro areas tend to pay more due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Here are the top-paying cities for water treatment operators in Illinois.
| Rank | City / Metro Area | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Chicago | $32.94/hr | $68,500 |
Illinois vs. National Average
How does Illinois stack up against the rest of the country? Here is a side-by-side look at average hourly pay for water treatment operators.
Illinois vs. National Average
Average hourly rate comparison
Illinois pays $4.91/hr more than the national average (+20.0%)
Overtime Earnings Potential
Many water treatment operators in Illinois earn well above their base salary thanks to overtime. At the median rate of $29.41/hr, overtime pay (1.5x) works out to roughly $44.12/hr. Working just 10 hours of OT per week at that rate adds about $22,900 to your annual income.
Frequently Asked Questions
Water Treatment Operator salaries in Illinois vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level water treatment operators typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level water treatment operators in Illinois typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union water treatment operators earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified water treatment operator depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
Water Treatment Operator work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The Illinois job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified water treatment operators have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a water treatment operator's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.
Major metropolitan areas in Illinois tend to pay water treatment operators 5-15% above the state average due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Check our city-level salary data for specific figures in your area.
Sources & Methodology
Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Data reflects May 2024 estimates, the most recent available. Figures represent base pay before overtime, bonuses, or benefits.