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Power System Operator III Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Power System Operator III in the United States is $108,400 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $142,597
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $100,600 to $126,300
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $93,499
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Power System Operator III Salaries

A Power System Operator III'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.

How Do Power System 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 System Operator IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $120,000.
  • California: $119,600.
  • Massachusetts: $118,000.

Top Paying Cities for Power System 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: $136,800
  • San Francisco: $135,300
  • Oakland: $132,400

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 6.83% 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.
  • Community Marketing (Mentioned in 2.53% Job Postings): Community marketing is a strategy to engage an audience in an active, non-intrusive prospect and customer conversation
  • PowerPoint (Mentioned in 0.84% Job Postings): A computer software created by Microsoft which allows the user to create slides with recordings, narrations, transitions and other features in order to present information.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 6.83%
Community Marketing 2.53%
PowerPoint 0.84%
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 System Operator III's salary.

  • Products and Services: Can increase your salary by up to 16%.
  • Electrical Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Products and Services $125,744
16%
Electrical Engineering $120,324
11%
Consulting $119,240
10%
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Power System Operator III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Power System Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $118,886. While startup companies pay approximate $101,192.

Power System Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $101,192
Growth Stage 51~500 $106,861
Established 501~5000 $114,948
Enterprise 5000+ $118,886

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Power System Operator IIIs 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 III with a Associate's Degree is between $110,951 and $117,657).

Power System Operator III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Power System Operator III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.7%
High School 22.2%
Associates 22.2%
Bachelors 40.7%
Masters 11.1%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Power System Operator III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Power System 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 October 01, 2026
$100,600
Average $108,400/year
$126,300
$8,383
Average $9,033/month
$10,525
$1,935
Average $2,085/week
$2,429
$48
Average $52/hour
$61
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $126,300 $10,525 $2,429 $61
Average $108,400 $9,033 $2,085 $52
25th Percentile $100,600 $8,383 $1,935 $48

Power System Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

Power System Operator III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Power System Operator III, 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
Energy Conservation Advising Manager $142,500 31%
Energy Control Center Shift Supervisor $86,200 -20%

Most common benefits for Power System Operator III

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

Common company salaries for Power System Operator III

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

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FAQ about Power System Operator III

1. Is machine operator a skilled job?

Yes, a Senior Power System Operator is a skilled job. It demands strong technical knowledge and expertise in managing complex power systems. Operators ensure the stability and efficiency of electrical grids, requiring precision and critical thinking. With salaries ranging from $105,800 to $132,500, this role reflects the high level of skill and responsibility involved.

2. How much do Edison substation operators make?

Edison substation operators, specifically Senior Power System Operators, earn a salary ranging from $105,800 to $132,500, with a median salary of $117,500. This reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with the role, significantly higher than the average base salary of $75K for general substation operators.

3. How much do senior machine operators make?

How much does a Senior Power System Operator make? The salary for a Senior Power System Operator ranges from a minimum of $105,800 to a maximum of $132,500, with a mid-range salary of $117,500 annually. This translates to approximately $50.87 to $63.65 per hour, depending on experience and location.

4. What is the highest salary in a power plant?

The salary for a Senior Power System Operator ranges from $105,800 to $132,500, with a mid-point of $117,500. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, highlighting the importance of expertise and experience in power system operations.

5. How much do systems operations make in the Air Force?

Senior Power System Operators in the Air Force can expect salaries ranging from $105,800 to $132,500, with a median salary of $117,500. This reflects a significant increase compared to the average U.S. Air Force Network Systems Operator pay of approximately $52,376, highlighting the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with senior roles.

6. How do I become a system operator?

To become a NERC-certified Power System Operator, follow these steps: 1) Gain relevant experience and education. 2) Complete NERC-approved training courses. 3) Study for the certification exam. 4) Take the certification exam. 5) Obtain certification. As a Senior Power System Operator, you can expect a salary ranging from $105,800 to $132,500, with a midpoint of $117,500.

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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