Power Generation Plant Operations Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Power Generation Plant Operations Director make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Power Generation Plant Operations Director in the United States is $194,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.

However, a Power Generation Plant Operations Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $225,276
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $178,900 to $210,800
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $164,333
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View as table View as graph 25% $178,900 10% $164,333 90% $225,276 75% $210,800 $194,900 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Power Generation Plant Operations Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $210,800 $17,567 $4,054 $101
Average $194,900 $16,242 $3,748 $94
25th Percentile $178,900 $14,908 $3,440 $86
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Key Factors That Influence Power Generation Plant Operations Director Salaries

A Power Generation Plant Operations Director'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 Power Generation Plant Operations Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Power Generation Plant Operations Director'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:

  • Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I (0-3 years): $121,801
  • Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor II (3-5 years): $147,070
  • Power Generation Plant Operations Manager (5+ years): $168,403
  • Power Generation Plant Operations Director (5+ years): $194,810
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I0-3 years$121,801
Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor II3-5 years$147,070
Power Generation Plant Operations Manager5+ years$168,403
Power Generation Plant Operations Director5+ years$194,810
$121,801 Power Gen...
$147,070 Power Gen...
$168,403 Power Gen...
$194,810 Power Gen...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Power Generation Plant Operations Directors

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:

  • San Jose: $245,800
  • San Francisco: $243,100
  • Oakland: $238,000

Power Generation Plant Operations Director Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Power Generation Plant Operations Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $219,373. While startup companies pay approximate $185,785.

Power Generation Plant Operations Director Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$185,785
Growth Stage51~500$196,415
Established501~5000$211,912
Enterprise5000+$219,373

Power Generation Plant Operations Director Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Power Generation Plant Operations Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, MFG Nondurable, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Power Generation Plant Operations Director positions in Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Power Generation Plant Operations Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Power Generation Plant Operations Director

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$214,390$103.010%

Power Generation Plant Operations Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Power Generation Plant Operations Director'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 August 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Power Generation Plant Operations Director

Salaries for a Power Generation Plant Operations Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $163,233 in 2023 to around $157,705 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Power Generation Plant Operations Director salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Power Generation Plant Operations Director Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$163,233
2024
$161,700
2025
$157,705
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $163,233
2024 $161,700
2025 $157,705
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Power Generation Plant Operations Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Power Generation Plant Operations Director

Here are companies hiring for Power Generation Plant Operations Director and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Power Generation Plant Operations Director Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Power Generation Plant Operations Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

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    22 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Senior Vice President of Project Delivery. About the Company. A multi-billion-dollar construction organization with collaborative, servant-minded leadershi... more

    22 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Chief of Staff. About the Company. Innovative travel platform for booking & managing work trips. Industry. Computer Software. Type. Privately Held, VC-back... more

    22 Days Ago

  • McDonalds

    Columbus, OH

    McDonalds | Columbus, OH

    McDonald’s is seeking Crew Team Members to assist with daily restaurant operations including customer service, food preparation, and maintaining restaurant... more

    29 Days Ago

  • Amazon Flex

    Columbus, OH

    Amazon Flex | Columbus, OH

    Amazon Flex Delivery Drivers use their own vehicle to deliver Amazon packages to customers on scheduled delivery blocks. Drivers are responsible for pickin... more

    29 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President, Commercial. About the Company. Globally-recognized manufacturer of packaging components & delivery systems for injectable drugs. Industry. ... more

    1 Month Ago

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FAQ about Power Generation Plant Operations Director

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Power Generation Plant Operations Director?

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Power Generation Plant Operations Director roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. What position is higher than director of operations?

Yes, the COO is higher than a Director of Operations. Directors typically manage specific departments, while the COO oversees all operations, with Directors reporting to them. In terms of salary, a Power Generation Plant Operations Director earns between $174,900 and $214,100, with a mid-salary of $191,600, reflecting their significant responsibilities.

3. What is the highest salary for a plant operator?

The highest salary for a Power Generation Plant Operations Director is $214,100 annually. The mid-range salary is $191,600, while the minimum salary starts at $174,900. This reflects the competitive compensation for leadership roles in plant operations.

4. What is the difference between a plant manager and a plant director?

A plant director, typically positioned above a plant manager, oversees the overall leadership and strategic direction of an industrial facility, such as a power generation plant. The salary for a Power Generation Plant Operations Director ranges from $174,900 to $214,100, with a midpoint of $191,600, reflecting the significant responsibilities and expertise required for the role.

5. How much does a director of operations make in the US?

The salary for a Power Generation Plant Operations Director in the US ranges from $174,900 to $214,100, with a midpoint of $191,600. This reflects the specialized nature of the role within the energy sector, highlighting the importance of experience and expertise in managing plant operations effectively.

6. What does a director of plant operations do?

The Director of Plant Operations is responsible for overseeing public utilities, security systems, HVAC operations, housekeeping, dietary services, and grounds maintenance. This role also involves managing capital projects to ensure efficient plant operations. The salary for this position ranges from $174,900 to $214,100, with a midpoint of $191,600.

7. How much does an operations director get?

The salary for a Power Generation Plant Operations Director typically ranges from $174,900 to $214,100, with a mid-point salary of $191,600. This reflects the specialized nature of the role and the industry, which can vary significantly from other regions and sectors.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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