Water Resource Specialists in Illinois
Want to work as a Water Resource Specialists in Illinois? Below are the key facts. Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields. Excludes “Computer and Information Systems Managers” (11-3021) and “Architecture and Engineering Managers” (11-9041).
What do Water Resource Specialists Make in Illinois?
For water resource specialists working in Illinois, the typical annual salary is $158,690 per year (or roughly $76.29/hour).
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,570 | $39.22 |
| 25th percentile | $106,450 | $51.18 |
| Median (50th) | $158,690 | $76.29 |
| 75th percentile | $213,900 | $102.84 |
| 90th percentile | n/a | n/a |
The job concentration index in Illinois compared to the national average — is 0.78, meaning fewer water resource specialists per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, water resource specialists earn a median of $179,716 per year ($86.40/hour), below the Illinois median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 79,327 water resource specialists nationwide. In Illinois alone, approximately 3,100 people work in this role. That’s more than the typical state, which employs around 680 water resource specialists.
Top Illinois Metros for Water Resource Specialists
These are the Illinois metros with the most water resource specialists in Illinois.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 2,460 | $161,340 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 150 | $103,570 |
| Springfield, IL | 40 | $101,020 |
Top States for Water Resource Specialists Employment
View the states that employ the most water resource specialists work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 14,120 |
| New Jersey | 9,010 |
| Massachusetts | 8,880 |
| Texas | 7,480 |
| North Carolina | 6,750 |
| Pennsylvania | 6,730 |
| Maryland | 5,020 |
| New York | 4,580 |
| Florida | 4,330 |
| Illinois | 3,100 |
| Washington | 3,070 |
| Michigan | 1,700 |
| District of Columbia | 1,650 |
| Georgia | 1,610 |
| Colorado | 1,480 |
| Minnesota | 1,470 |
| Oregon | 1,440 |
| Virginia | 1,440 |
| Indiana | 1,360 |
| Utah | 1,150 |
Highest-Paying States for Water Resource Specialists
Where water resource specialists earn the most: water resource specialists.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $218,800 |
| California | $204,100 |
| New Jersey | $202,310 |
| Connecticut | $179,170 |
| Washington | $178,270 |
| North Carolina | $167,430 |
| District of Columbia | $164,650 |
| Maryland | $162,610 |
| Illinois | $158,690 |
| Kansas | $158,100 |
Skills
Key water resource specialists skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for water resource specialists, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Perform hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality modeling.
- Analyze storm water systems to identify opportunities for water resource improvements.
- Conduct, or oversee the conduct of, investigations on matters such as water storage, wastewater discharge, pollutants, permits, or other compliance and regulatory issues.
- Develop strategies for watershed operations to meet water supply and conservation goals or to ensure regulatory compliance with clean water laws or regulations.
- Conduct technical studies for water resources on topics such as pollutants and water treatment options.
- Review or evaluate designs for water detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, or other hydraulic structures.
- Present water resource proposals to government, public interest groups, or community groups.
- Develop plans to protect watershed health or rehabilitate watersheds.
- Write proposals, project reports, informational brochures, or other documents on wastewater purification, water supply and demand, or other water resource subjects.
- Conduct cost-benefit studies for watershed improvement projects or water management alternatives.
- Provide technical expertise to assist communities in the development or implementation of storm water monitoring or other water programs.
- Compile and maintain documentation on the health of a body of water.
Work Activities
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Getting Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Working with Computers
- Processing Information
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Developing Objectives and Strategies
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Autodesk AutoCAD In-demand technologies: ESRI ArcGIS software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Business Administration & Management
- Philosophy
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Related Careers
Careers similar to water resource specialists include:
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Natural Sciences Managers
- Wind Energy Development Managers
- Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
- Environmental Compliance Inspectors
- Agricultural Engineers
Also Known As
Community Resource Consultant, Environmental Resource Specialist, Hydrotechnical Specialist, Hydrotechnician, Power Supply Engineer, Resource Specialist, Water Quality Specialist, Water Resource Agent, Water Resource Consultant, Water Resource Engineering Specialist, Water Resource Specialist, Water Resources Planner, Water Restoration Technician, Water Rights Specialist.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 11-9121.02
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