Salary AI Book a Demo
upper level job

Power Generation Process Operator IV Salary in the United States

How much does a Power Generation Process Operator IV make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Power Generation Process Operator IV in the United States is $105,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.

However, a Power Generation Process Operator IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $122,603
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $97,400 to $114,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $89,934
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Power Generation Process Operator IV Salaries

A Power Generation Process Operator IV'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 IV'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 II (1-3 years): $81,165
  • Power Generation Process Operator III (3-5 years): $91,151
  • Power Generation Process Operator IV (5-7 years): $105,524
  • Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I (7+ years): $121,823
  • Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor II (7+ years): $147,101
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Utility Plant Operator II1-3 years$81,165
Power Generation Process Operator III3-5 years$91,151
Power Generation Process Operator IV5-7 years$105,524
Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I7+ years$121,823
Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor II7+ years$147,101
View as Graph

How Do Power Generation Process Operator IV 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $116,900.
  • California: $116,400.
  • Massachusetts: $114,900.

Top Paying Cities for Power Generation Process Operator IVs

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: $133,100
  • San Francisco: $131,700
  • Oakland: $128,900

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Troubleshooting (Mentioned in 5.66% 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.
  • Lubricants (Mentioned in 4.91% Job Postings): A lubricant is a substance that helps to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact, which ultimately reduces the heat generated when the surfaces move.
  • Pneumatics (Mentioned in 3.31% Job Postings): Pneumatics (pronounced new-MATT-ix) is an aspect of physics and engineering that is concerned with using the energy in compressed gas to make something move or work.
Skills Demand Percentage
Troubleshooting 5.66%
Lubricants 4.91%
Pneumatics 3.31%
See More Skills

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 IV's salary.

  • Accountability: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Schematic: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Accountability $118,272
12%
Schematic $117,216
11%
Analysis $115,104
9%
Get Latest Data

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

Power Generation Process Operator IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $118,559. While startup companies pay approximate $100,418.

Power Generation Process Operator IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $100,418
Growth Stage 51~500 $106,153
Established 501~5000 $114,529
Enterprise 5000+ $118,559

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

For Power Generation Process Operator IV 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 Process Operator positions in Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Power Generation Process Operator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Power Generation Process Operator IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$116,160$56.010%

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

Understanding how a Power Generation Process Operator IV'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 September 01, 2026
$97,400
Average $105,600/year
$114,500
$8,117
Average $8,800/month
$9,542
$1,873
Average $2,031/week
$2,202
$47
Average $51/hour
$55
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $114,500 $9,542 $2,202 $55
Average $105,600 $8,800 $2,031 $51
25th Percentile $97,400 $8,117 $1,873 $47

Power Generation Process Operator IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Power Generation Process Operator IV

Next Role

Advancement

For a Power Generation Process Operator IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $121,900 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Power Generation Process Operator IV

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

Common company salaries for Power Generation Process Operator IV

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

Find Your Next Power Generation Process Operator IV Job

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

For Employees

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

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

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

Adjust Employee Salary

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

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Power Generation Process Operator IV

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

The MFG Nondurable industry offers the highest average compensation for Power Generation Process Operator IV roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.

2. Can you make a lot of money in operations?

Yes, you can earn a competitive salary in operations. For a Power Generation Process Operator, salaries range from $98,900 to $124,100, with a mid-salary of $111,900. With further training and education, such as a bachelor's degree, you can advance to higher-paying roles like operations manager or director of operations, which can significantly increase your earnings.

3. What's the best paying trucking job?

The best paying trucking job is often considered to be a Flatbed Owner Operator, with salaries ranging significantly. However, for a related role, a Power Generation Process Operator offers a salary range of $98,900 to $124,100 per year, with a mid-salary of $111,900. This position can provide a stable and lucrative career path in the energy sector.

4. How much do process plant operators make in California?

In California, Power Generation Process Operators earn between $98,900 and $124,100 annually, with a median salary of $111,900. This reflects a significant increase compared to the average salaries of chemical plant process operators, which range from $39,500 to $69,083.

5. How much do process operators make in Texas?

In Texas, Power Generation Process Operators earn between $98,900 and $124,100 annually, with a median salary of approximately $111,900. This data reflects the salary range for this role, indicating a competitive compensation structure in the industry.

6. How long is power plant operator training?

Power plant operators and dispatchers undergo extensive training, typically requiring several years of on-the-job experience and technical instruction to become fully qualified. The salary for a Power Generation Process Operator ranges from $98,900 to $124,100, with a mid-salary of $111,900, reflecting the expertise and responsibility involved in the role.

7. Is process operator a hard job?

The role of a Power Generation Process Operator can be challenging, requiring physical stamina and dexterity to manage tools, equipment, and heavy machinery. However, the compensation reflects the skill level needed, with salaries ranging from $98,900 to $124,100, offering a competitive reward for the demands of the job.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint 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