Utility Plant Director Salary in the United States

How much does a Utility Plant Director make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Utility Plant Director in the United States is $194,560 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.

However, a Utility Plant Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $225,987
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $178,660 to $211,010
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $164,184
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View as table View as graph 25% $178,660 10% $164,184 90% $225,987 75% $211,010 $194,560 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Utility Plant Director Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $211,010 $17,584 $4,058 $101
Average $194,560 $16,213 $3,742 $94
25th Percentile $178,660 $14,888 $3,436 $86
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Key Factors That Influence Utility Plant Director Salaries

A Utility Plant Director'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 Utility Plant Director Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Utility Plant Director'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $188,627
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $189,339
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $191,000
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $192,899
  • Expert (over 8 years): $195,051
Levels Salary
Entry Level Utility Plant Director$188,627
Intermediate Level Utility Plant Director$189,339
Senior Level Utility Plant Director$191,000
Specialist Level Utility Plant Director$192,899
Expert Level Utility Plant Director$195,051
$188,627 0 yr
$189,339 < 2 yrs
$191,000 2-4 yrs
$192,899 5-8 yrs
$195,051 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Utility Plant Directors

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: $245,400
  • San Francisco: $242,980
  • Oakland: $237,590

Utility Plant Director Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Utility Plant Director'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 January 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Utility Plant Director

Salaries for a Utility Plant Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $163,233 in 2023 to around $157,705 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Utility Plant Director salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Utility Plant Director Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$163,233
2024
$161,700
2025
$157,705
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $163,233
2024 $161,700
2025 $157,705
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Utility Plant Director

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Utility Plant Director

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FAQ about Utility Plant Director

1. Is director a high position?

A director is indeed a high position within an organization, responsible for overseeing significant functions and guiding managers. For instance, a Utility Plant Director, with a salary range from $174,840 to $214,010, plays a crucial role in managing operations and ensuring efficiency, reflecting the importance and seniority of the role.

2. How much do plant directors make?

Plant directors typically earn between $174,840 and $214,010 annually, with a median salary of $191,560. While some states may report lower averages, the compensation for utility plant directors reflects their critical role in operations and management.

3. What is the highest salary for a plant manager?

The highest salary for a Utility Plant Director is $214,010 per year. In comparison, a Plant Manager typically earns between $111,000 and $188,000 annually, while a Senior Plant Manager's salary ranges from $115,000 to $190,000. The Director of Production can earn between $141,000 and $249,000 per year.

4. What is the top salary for a director?

The top salary for a Utility Plant Director is $214,010, with a minimum salary of $174,840 and a mid-range salary of $191,560. This reflects the specialized nature of the role and the responsibilities involved in managing utility plant operations.

5. Who is the top paid utility CEO?

The salary data for a Utility Plant Director indicates a minimum salary of $174,840, a mid-range salary of $191,560, and a maximum salary of $214,010. While Tom Fanning, former CEO of Southern Company, had a total compensation of $33 million, this figure significantly exceeds the typical salary range for utility plant directors.

6. What does a utilities director do?

The Director of Utilities oversees the Utilities Customer Service Division and manages the City's Water/Wastewater System, ensuring safe and efficient operations. The salary for this position ranges from $174,840 to $214,010, with a mid-point of $191,560, reflecting the importance and responsibility of the role in maintaining essential services.

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.)

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