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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Utility Plant Operator I in Pennsylvania is $69,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
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 | $79,400 | $6,617 | $1,527 | $38 |
| Average | $69,500 | $5,792 | $1,337 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,600 | $5,133 | $1,185 | $30 |
SURTECO NORTH AMERICA INC - Jeannette, PA
Cordia - Pittsburgh, PA
Cordia Services - Pittsburgh, PA
Airgas, Inc. - Plumstead Township, PA
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 | $69,446 |
| Utility Plant Operator II | 1-3 years | $80,780 |
| Power Generation Process Operator III | 3-5 years | $90,722 |
| Power Generation Process Operator IV | 5-7 years | $105,024 |
| Power Generation Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I | 7+ years | $121,253 |
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 $78,227. While startup companies pay approximate $66,250.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $66,250 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $70,040 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $75,566 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $78,227 |
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 | $90,350 | $43.0 | 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 | $79,400 | $6,617 | $1,527 | $38 |
| Average | $69,500 | $5,792 | $1,337 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,600 | $5,133 | $1,185 | $30 |
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 $80,800 - 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.
Government Jobs
Lancaster, PA
Government Jobs | Lancaster, PA
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CRH
Harrisburg, PA
CRH | Harrisburg, PA
CRH - - Responsibilities: Operate concrete plants in a safe and efficient manner. Batch concrete loads according to mix designs and specifications. Maintai... more
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CRH
Conyngham Township, PA
CRH | Conyngham Township, PA
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Fenelton, PA
Shields Asphalt Paving | Fenelton, PA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Overview. We are currently seeking an experienced and skilled Asphalt Plant Operator to join our team. The ideal cand... more
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Covanta
Chester, PA
Covanta | Chester, PA
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CRH
Lititz, PA
CRH | Lititz, PA
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