Assistant Systems Operator Salary in Illinois

How much does an Assistant Systems Operator make in Illinois? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Assistant Systems Operator in Illinois is $45,596 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

However, an Assistant Systems Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $54,599
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,792 to $50,309
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,328

Key Factors That Influence Assistant Systems Operator Salaries

An Assistant Systems 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.

How Experience Level Affects Assistant Systems Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Assistant Systems 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $44,614
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $55,173
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $60,842
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $92,546
  • Expert (over 8 years): $128,380
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Assistant Systems Operator less than 1 year $44,614
Chemical Plant Operator II 1-2 years $55,173
Chemical Plant Operator III 2-4 years $60,842
Chemical Plant Operations Supervisor 5-8 years $92,546
Chemical Plant Operations Manager over 8 years $128,380

Top Paying Cities for Assistant Systems Operator

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:

  • Effingham: $42,030
  • Saint Peter: $41,973
  • Salem: $42,132

Assistant Systems Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Assistant Systems 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 Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Assistant Systems Operator positions in Retail & Wholesale or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Assistant Systems Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Assistant Systems Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $54,715 $26.0 20%
Pharmaceuticals $54,715 $26.0 20%
Aerospace & Defense $52,436 $25.0 15%
Biotechnology $52,436 $25.0 15%
Internet $52,436 $25.0 15%

Assistant Systems Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Assistant Systems 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$41,792
Average $45,596/year
$50,309
$3,483
Average $3,800/month
$4,192
$804
Average $877/week
$967
$20
Average $22/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $50,309 $4,192 $967 $24
Average $45,596 $3,800 $877 $22
25th Percentile $41,792 $3,483 $804 $20

Find Your Next Assistant Systems Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Assistant Systems Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • Packaging Corp of America | Trenton, IL

    Packaging Corp of America | Trenton, IL

    Packaging Corp of America - 11620 Old U.S. Hwy 50 - Responsibilities: Work as part of a team to support manufacturing operations and increase productivity.... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Pactiv Evergreen | St. Charles, IL

    Pactiv Evergreen | St. Charles, IL

    Pactiv Evergreen - - Responsibilities: Feeds WIP blanks to cup machines and assists Cup Operator in all phases of operation of the cup machines. Starts up ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Kelly Services, Inc. | West Chicago, IL

    Kelly Services, Inc. | West Chicago, IL

    Kelly Services, Inc. Responsibilities: Assist the Slitter Operator on the production floor. Prepare and label finished rolls for production orders. Move ro... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Elite Staffing | Morrison, IL

    Elite Staffing | Morrison, IL

    Elite Staffing - Bartlet - Responsibilities: Assist Lead Operator and Shift Supervisor to operate extrusion line on assigned shift. Load raw materials into... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Novolex | St. Charles, IL

    Novolex | St. Charles, IL

    Novolex - - Responsibilities: Feed WIP blanks to cup machines and monitor operation. Start up and shut down machines and clear jams. Make bottom stock spli... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Hughes Recruiting | Ingleside, IL

    Hughes Recruiting | Ingleside, IL

    Hughes Recruiting - - Responsibilities: Adhere to the Quality Policy to ensure products and services meet customers’ expectations. Operate production equip... more

    8 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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