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Power Plant Operator IV Salary in Washington

How much does a Power Plant Operator IV make in Washington?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Power Plant Operator IV in Washington is $114,393 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

However, a Power Plant Operator IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $132,978
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $105,561 to $124,121
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $97,520

Key Factors That Influence Power Plant Operator IV Salaries

A Power Plant Operator IV'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 Power Plant Operator IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Power Plant Operator IV'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:

  • Power Plant Operator II (1-3 years): $87,986
  • Power Plant Operator III (3-5 years): $98,814
  • Power Plant Operator IV (5-7 years): $114,393
  • Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I (7+ years): $132,069
  • Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor II (7+ years): $159,468
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Power Plant Operator II1-3 years$87,986
Power Plant Operator III3-5 years$98,814
Power Plant Operator IV5-7 years$114,393
Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I7+ years$132,069
Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor II7+ years$159,468

Top Paying Cities for Power Plant Operator IV

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:

  • Auburn: $114,252
  • Federal Way: $114,203
  • Bellevue: $116,550

Power Plant Operator IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Power Plant Operator IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $128,756. While startup companies pay approximate $109,043.

Power Plant Operator IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $109,043
Growth Stage 51~500 $115,282
Established 501~5000 $124,377
Enterprise 5000+ $128,756

Power Plant Operator IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Power Plant Operator IV roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (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, Power Plant Operator positions in Energy & Utilities typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Power Plant Operator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Power Plant Operator IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Nondurable$116,049$56.010%

Power Plant Operator IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Power Plant Operator IV'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 August 01, 2026
$105,561
Average $114,393/year
$124,121
$8,797
Average $9,533/month
$10,343
$2,030
Average $2,200/week
$2,387
$51
Average $55/hour
$60
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $124,121 $10,343 $2,387 $60
Average $114,393 $9,533 $2,200 $55
25th Percentile $105,561 $8,797 $2,030 $51

Power Plant Operator IV Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Power Plant Operator IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $132,069 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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