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Power System Operator II Salary in the United States

How much does a Power System Operator II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Power System Operator II in the United States is $75,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $90,984
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61,400 to $83,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,381

Key Factors That Influence Power System Operator II Salaries

A Power System Operator II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Power System Operator IIs

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: $95,500
  • San Francisco: $94,400
  • Oakland: $92,400

What Skills Can Increase a Power System Operator II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.06% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Facility Maintenance (Mentioned in 3.03% Job Postings): Facility maintenance encompasses all maintenance activities that are taken in and outside of commercial buildings to keep the area safe, presentable, and most importantly, functional.
  • Power Generation (Mentioned in 3.03% Job Postings): The process of generating electric power from sources of primary energy. For utilities in the electric power industry, it is the stage prior to its delivery (transmission, distribution, etc.) to end users or its storage (the pumped-storage method).
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.06%
Facility Maintenance 3.03%
Power Generation 3.03%

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 System Operator II's salary.

  • Analysis: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • Troubleshooting: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Analysis $83,270
10%
Troubleshooting $82,513
9%
Verbal Communication $82,513
9%

Power System Operator II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Power System Operator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $83,053. While startup companies pay approximate $70,618.

Power System Operator II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $70,618
Growth Stage 51~500 $74,593
Established 501~5000 $80,304
Enterprise 5000+ $83,053

How Education impacts a Power System Operator II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Power System Operator IIs enter the field with a Associate's Degree 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 Power System Operator II with a Associate's Degree is between $70,416 and $78,930).

Power System Operator II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Power System Operator II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 6.3%
High School 12.5%
Associates 37.5%
Bachelors 37.5%
Masters 6.3%
Doctorate 0.0%

Power System Operator II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Power System Operator II'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
$61,400
Average $75,700/year
$83,700
$5,117
Average $6,308/month
$6,975
$1,181
Average $1,456/week
$1,610
$30
Average $36/hour
$40
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $83,700 $6,975 $1,610 $40
Average $75,700 $6,308 $1,456 $36
25th Percentile $61,400 $5,117 $1,181 $30

Power System Operator II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Power System Operator II, 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.

Power System Operator II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Energy Conservation Advising Manager $142,200 88%
Power System Operator III $108,400 43%

Most common benefits for Power System Operator II

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

Common company salaries for Power System Operator II

Here are companies hiring for Power System Operator II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Power System Operator II

1. What is the difference between TSO and DSO?

Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and Distribution System Operators (DSOs) both manage energy grid operations. TSOs ensure the overall security and functionality of the transmission grid, while DSOs focus on the distribution network. In terms of compensation, TSOs typically earn between $60,800 and $81,800, with a mid-salary of $79,600, reflecting their critical role in energy management.

2. Do you need a degree to be a power plant operator?

Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers generally require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. While a college or vocational school degree may be preferred by employers, the salary for this role ranges from $60,800 to $81,800, with a median salary of $79,600, reflecting the importance of skills and experience in this field.

3. Is being a system operator hard?

Being a system operator can indeed be challenging, particularly during significant system disturbances. Operators must stay calm and make confident decisions under pressure, often with limited information and high stakes. The role is compensated with salaries ranging from $60,800 to $81,800, reflecting the expertise and responsibility required in this demanding position.

4. How do operators get paid?

Operators typically receive compensation on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. Payment structures may vary, with some routes paying by the load and others by the mile. Hourly wages and overtime rates can be defined in work contracts. For Power System Operators, salaries range from $60,800 to $81,800, with a mid-salary of $79,600, reflecting the diverse compensation methods available.

5. How much do electrical operators make?

Electrical operators typically earn between $60,800 and $81,800 annually, with a median salary of $79,600. While some cities like Sunnyvale, CA, offer significantly higher salaries, the general range for this role reflects the demand and expertise required in the field.

6. What is the highest paid power lineman?

The highest paid power system operator earns a maximum salary of $81,800. The average salary for this role is around $79,600, while the minimum salary starts at $60,800. These figures reflect the competitive compensation in the field, highlighting the importance of expertise and experience in power system operations.

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.

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