As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Utility Plant Manager in New Mexico is $155,950 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.
However, a Utility Plant Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Utility Plant Manager'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 Utility Plant Manager'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 Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I | 0-3 years | $112,792 |
| Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor II | 3-5 years | $136,188 |
| Utility Plant Manager | 5+ years | $155,942 |
| Power Generation Plant Operations Director | 5+ years | $180,399 |
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 Utility Plant Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Utility Plant Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $175,257. While startup companies pay approximate $148,377.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $148,377 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $156,869 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $169,293 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $175,257 |
For Utility Plant Manager roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 25% (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, Utility Plant Manager positions in Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Utility Plant Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Nondurable | $171,545 | $82.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $163,748 | $79.0 | 5% |
Understanding how a Utility Plant Manager'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 July 01, 2026For a Utility Plant Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Power Generation Plant Operations Director role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $180,400 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Utility Plant Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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