upper level job

Hourly Wage for Power Generation Process Operator III Salary in the United States

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Power Generation Process Operator III?

As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Power Generation Process Operator III in the United States is $44, which translates to an annual salary of about $91,200.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40 to $48 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37 per hour
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
AI-Powered Talent
View as table View as graph 25% $40 10% $37 90% $53 75% $48 $44 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Power Generation Process Operator III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $100,700 $8,392 $1,937 $48
Average $91,200 $7,600 $1,754 $44
25th Percentile $83,600 $6,967 $1,608 $40
Check out Power Generation Process Operator III Job Openings in the United States
Manufacturing Chemical Process Operator III

Kennametal Inc - Orwell, OH

Process Operator III

Herr Foods Inc. - Chillicothe, OH

Travel L&D RN

Focus Staff - KEENE, NH

Travel CCU RN

Focus Staff - BENNINGTON, VT

Search More Power Generation Process Operator III Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Power Generation Process Operator III Salaries

A Power Generation Process Operator III'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 Process Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Power Generation Process Operator III'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:

  • Utility Plant Operator I (0-1 years): $69,743
  • Utility Plant Operator II (1-3 years): $81,126
  • Power Generation Process Operator III (3-5 years): $91,113
  • Power Generation Process Operator IV (5-7 years): $105,474
  • Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I (7+ years): $121,779
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Utility Plant Operator I0-1 years$69,743
Utility Plant Operator II1-3 years$81,126
Power Generation Process Operator III3-5 years$91,113
Power Generation Process Operator IV5-7 years$105,474
Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I7+ years$121,779
$69,743 Utility P...
$81,126 Utility P...
$91,113 Power Gen...
$105,474 Power Gen...
$121,779 Power Gen...
View as Table
View as Graph

What Am I Worth?

How Do Power Generation Process Operator III Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Power Generation Process Operator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $100,900.
  • California: $100,500.
  • Massachusetts: $99,200.

Top Paying Cities for Power Generation Process Operator IIIs

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: $115,000
  • San Francisco: $113,700
  • Oakland: $111,300

What Skills Can Increase a Power Generation Process Operator III's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 9.99% Job Postings): Troubleshooting is a form of problem solving, often applied to repair failed products or processes on a machine or a system. It is a logical, systematic search for the source of a problem in order to solve it, and make the product or process operational again. Troubleshooting is needed to identify the symptoms. Determining the most likely cause is a process of elimination—eliminating potential causes of a problem. Finally, troubleshooting requires confirmation that the solution restores the product or process to its working state. In general, troubleshooting is the identification or diagnosis of "trouble" in the management flow of a system caused by a failure of some kind. The problem is initially described as symptoms of malfunction, and troubleshooting is the process of determining and remedying the causes of these symptoms. A system can be described in terms of its expected, desired or intended behavior (usually, for artificial systems, its purpose). Events or inputs to the system are expected to generate specific results or outputs. (For example, selecting the "print" option from various computer applications is intended to result in a hardcopy emerging from some specific device). Any unexpected or undesirable behavior is a symptom. Troubleshooting is the process of isolating the specific cause or causes of the symptom. Frequently the symptom is a failure of the product or process to produce any results. (Nothing was printed, for example). Corrective action can then be taken to prevent further failures of a similar kind.
  • Installation (Mentioned in 3.29% Job Postings): The action or process of installing someone or something, or of being installed. the act of installing the state of being installed, something that is installed for use.
  • Certification Programs (Mentioned in 1.77% Job Postings): A certificate program is a specialized education designed to develop or strengthen specific career skills. Considered as continuing education in some cases because it builds on your knowledge of a particular career or industry.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 9.99%
Installation 3.29%
Certification Programs 1.77%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Power Generation Process Operator III's salary.
  • Process Improvement: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Standard Operating Procedures: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
  • Coordination: Can increase your salary by up to 6%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Process Improvement
$101,232
11%
Standard Operating Procedures
$98,496
8%
Coordination
$96,672
6%
Time Management
$96,672
6%
Gathering Information
$96,672
6%
Critical Thinking
$96,672
6%
Get Latest Data

Power Generation Process Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Power Generation Process Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $102,491. While startup companies pay approximate $86,771.

Power Generation Process Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$86,771
Growth Stage51~500$91,737
Established501~5000$99,003
Enterprise5000+$102,491

Power Generation Process Operator III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Power Generation Process Operator III roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, MFG Nondurable, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Power Generation Process Operator positions in Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Power Generation Process Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Power Generation Process Operator III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$109,440$53.020%

Power Generation Process Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Power Generation Process Operator III'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 July 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Power Generation Process Operator III

Salaries for a Power Generation Process Operator III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $77,599 in 2023 to around $77,551 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Power Generation Process Operator III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Power Generation Process Operator III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$77,599
2024
$77,926
2025
$77,551
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $77,599
2024 $77,926
2025 $77,551
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Power Generation Process Operator III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
For Employers

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.

Compensation Planning

Common company salaries for Power Generation Process Operator III

Here are companies hiring for Power Generation Process Operator III and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Power Generation Process Operator III Job

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

United States
For Employees

Get a Salary Increase

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Search Job Openings

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

For Employers

Adjust Employee Salary

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Price My Industry Jobs

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

FAQ about Power Generation Process Operator III

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Power Generation Process Operator III?

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Power Generation Process Operator III roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. Is it hard to be a process operator?

Working as a process operator can be physically challenging, as you spend most of your time on your feet working around heavy machinery. However, the role offers competitive compensation, with salaries ranging from $86,200 to $105,100, depending on experience and location. This financial incentive can make the demands of the job more worthwhile.

3. Are power plant operators in demand?

Overall employment of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is projected to decline by 8 percent from 2023 to 2033. However, there will still be about 3,800 openings for these positions each year. The salary for power generation process operators ranges from $86,200 to $105,100, with a median salary of $95,100.

4. What is the highest paid operator salary?

The highest paid Power Generation Process Operators earn a maximum salary of $105,100. The median salary for this role is $95,100, while the minimum salary starts at $86,200. This reflects a competitive compensation structure within the industry.

5. How long is a process operator degree?

To become a Process Operator, it typically takes 2 calendar years, requiring 60 hours of classroom work spread over 4 full semesters. In terms of salary, Power Generation Process Operators can expect to earn between $86,200 and $105,100, with a median salary of $95,100.

6. How much do process operators make in the US?

In the US, Power Generation Process Operators earn between $86,200 and $105,100 annually, with a median salary of $95,100. This reflects a significant increase compared to general process operator salaries, highlighting the specialized skills and responsibilities in the power generation sector.

7. How do I become a power system operator?

To become a power system operator, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, though a degree in electrical engineering or a related field is preferred. Relevant experience in the energy sector is crucial. The salary for this role ranges from $86,200 to $105,100, with a median salary of $95,100, reflecting the importance and expertise required in this field.

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job