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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Utility Plant Operator I in Kentucky is $65,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an Utility Plant Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Utility Plant Operator I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $75,100 | $6,258 | $1,444 | $36 |
| Average | $65,700 | $5,475 | $1,263 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,200 | $4,850 | $1,119 | $28 |
CRH - Owensboro, KY
CRH - Paris, KY
Nucor - Ghent, KY
Daniels Health - Walton, KY
An Utility Plant Operator I'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 an Utility Plant Operator I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Plant Operator I | 0-1 years | $65,644 |
| Utility Plant Operator II | 1-3 years | $76,357 |
| Power Generation Process Operator III | 3-5 years | $85,755 |
| Power Generation Process Operator IV | 5-7 years | $99,275 |
| Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I | 7+ years | $114,615 |
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 Operator Is. 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:
Utility Plant Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $73,950. While startup companies pay approximate $62,627.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $62,627 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $66,211 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $71,435 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $73,950 |
For Utility Plant Operator I roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Energy & Utilities, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Utility Plant Operator positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Utility Plant Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $85,410 | $41.0 | 30% |
Understanding how an Utility Plant Operator I'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 | $75,100 | $6,258 | $1,444 | $36 |
| Average | $65,700 | $5,475 | $1,263 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,200 | $4,850 | $1,119 | $28 |
For an Utility Plant Operator I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Utility Plant Operator II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $76,400 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Utility Plant Operator I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Cargill
Winchester, KY
Cargill | Winchester, KY
Utility Operator. Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and susta... more
6 Days Ago
3A Composites Display and Graphic Arts Americas
Glasgow, KY
3A Composites Display and Graphic Arts Americas | Glasgow, KY
Utility Operator. Shift: 7:50pm-8am 12 hour 4 star Rotation. Location: Glasgow, Kentucky. Reports to: Production Supervisor. It is a great time to join our... more
7 Days Ago
St. Elizabeth Healthcare
Florence, KY
St. Elizabeth Healthcare | Florence, KY
Power Plant Operator. St. Elizabeth Healthcare is hiring a Power Plant Operator for our Florence location. Typical Shift/Hours: Days Mon-Fri 7AM-3:30PM Ful... more
6 Days Ago
CRH
Hazard, KY
CRH | Hazard, KY
Asphalt Plant Operator. Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, the Mountain Companies (comprised of Mountain Enterprises, Mountain Materials, and Mountain A... more
7 Days Ago
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY
University of Louisville | Louisville, KY
Plant Operator II. The Plant Operator II position assists the Plant Operator in the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of oil- and gas-fired boilers, c... more
7 Days Ago
CRH
Olive Hill, KY
CRH | Olive Hill, KY
Asphalt Plant Operator. Headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, the Mountain Companies (comprised of Mountain Enterprises, Mountain Materials, and Mountain A... more
8 Days Ago
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