As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Plant Operations Superintendent in the United States is $122,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.
However, a Plant Operations Superintendent's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Plant Operations Superintendent'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, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Plant Operations Superintendent'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Plant Operations Superintendent | 0-5 years | $122,343 |
| Plant Engineering Operations Manager | 5+ years | $156,837 |
| Single Facility/Plant Manager | 5+ years | $192,118 |
| Plant GM | 5+ years | $219,654 |
| Multiple Facility/Plant General Manager | 5+ years | $257,483 |
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 Plant Operations Superintendents. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 10.24% |
| Preventative Maintenance | 2.35% |
| Lean Manufacturing | 1.51% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Lean Manufacturing
|
$130,968 |
7%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$130,968 |
7%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$130,968 |
7%
|
|
Lean
|
$130,968 |
7%
|
|
ISO
|
$129,744 |
6%
|
|
Employee Relations
|
$129,744 |
6%
|
Plant Operations Superintendent salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $136,903. While startup companies pay approximate $115,779.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $115,779 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $122,455 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $132,206 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $136,903 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Plant Operations Superintendents enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Plant Operations Superintendent with a No Diploma is between $110,504 and $116,800).
Plant Operations Superintendent Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 32.6% |
| High School | 32.6% |
| Associates | 16.7% |
| Bachelors | 37.5% |
| Masters | 13.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Plant Operations Superintendent'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.
Last Updated on June 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Plant Operations Superintendent, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Mining Manager | $140,900 | 15% |
| Plant Engineering Operations Manager | $156,900 | 28% |
| Quarry Operations Superintendent | $107,100 | -12% |
Salaries for a Plant Operations Superintendent can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $104,893 in 2023 to around $103,129 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Plant Operations Superintendent salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $104,893 |
| 2024 | $104,226 |
| 2025 | $103,129 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest salary for a Plant Operations Superintendent is $129,300. In comparison, a Plant Manager typically earns between $111,000 and $188,000 per year, while a Senior Plant Manager can make between $115,000 and $190,000. For a Director of Production, salaries range from $140,000 to $248,000 annually.
A Plant Operations Superintendent earns between $107,000 and $129,300 annually, with a median salary of $118,300. This translates to approximately $51.44 to $62.06 per hour, or about $2,058 to $2,490 weekly. The monthly earnings range from $9,083 to $11,075, reflecting the significant responsibilities of this role in managing plant operations.
A Plant Operations Superintendent at CSX in the United States can expect to earn between $107,000 and $129,300 annually, with a median salary of approximately $118,300. This reflects a competitive compensation range for this role in the industry.
The Plant Operations Superintendent is typically a first-level manager who requires a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering or a related field. This role manages subordinate staff and reports to a director. The salary range for this position is between $107,000 and $129,300, with a mid-salary of $118,300.
Plant operator is a good career choice, offering opportunities to utilize your skills in operating machinery and managing plant operations. With a salary range from $107,000 to $129,300, including a mid-salary of $118,300, the compensation package is quite attractive, making it a rewarding profession in the industry.
Plant operator is a good career choice, offering opportunities to utilize your skills in operating machinery and managing plant operations. With a salary range from $107,000 to $129,300, including a mid-salary of $118,300, the compensation package is quite attractive, making it a rewarding profession in the industry.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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