As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Power Plant Operations Director in the United States is $194,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $94.
However, a Power Plant Operations Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
AI-Powered HR
A Power Plant Operations 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Power Plant Operations 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I | 0-3 years | $121,735 |
| Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor II | 3-5 years | $146,978 |
| Power Plant Operations Manager | 5+ years | $168,293 |
| Power Plant Operations Director | 5+ years | $194,700 |
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 Plant Operations Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Power Plant Operations 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 May 01, 2026Salaries for a Power Plant Operations 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 Power Plant Operations Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $163,233 |
| 2024 | $161,700 |
| 2025 | $157,705 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Power Plant Operations Director and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Power Plant Operations Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
A Power Plant Operations Director's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Power Plant Operations Director earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Power Plant Operations Director is $245,575.
The highest pay for Power Plant Operations Director is $227,244.
The lowest pay for Power Plant Operations Director is $164,771.
Directs overall operations of a power generation plant. Monitors operations to produce reliable energy efficiently and safely. Develops preventative maintenance, emergency and operational plans and procedures. Ensures all applicable regulatory requirements are followed. May require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. Typically manages through subordinate managers and professionals in larger groups of moderate complexity. Provides input to strategic decisions that affect the functional area of responsibility. May give input into developing the budget. Typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
