As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Power System Operator in Virginia is $76,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Power System Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Power System Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $84,300 | $7,025 | $1,621 | $41 |
| Average | $76,200 | $6,350 | $1,465 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,800 | $5,150 | $1,188 | $30 |
Inova Health System - Alexandria, VA
Luminant - Hopewell, VA
James Madison University - Harrisonburg, VA
Virginia Department of Human Resource Management - Harrisonburg, VA
A Power System Operator'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Power System Operator'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Power System Operator | 3-5 years | $76,174 |
| Senior Power System Operator | 5-7 years | $109,055 |
| Power System Dispatch Supervisor | 7+ years | $121,872 |
| Power System Dispatch Director | 7+ years | $155,933 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Power System Operator salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,676. While startup companies pay approximate $75,061.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,061 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,363 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $85,660 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $88,676 |
Understanding how a Power System Operator'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $84,300 | $7,025 | $1,621 | $41 |
| Average | $76,200 | $6,350 | $1,465 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,800 | $5,150 | $1,188 | $30 |
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Power System Operator, 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 Management Manager | $134,400 | 76% |
| Senior Power System Operator | $109,100 | 43% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Power System Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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