How Much Does a Plant Operations Director make?

Plant Operations Director made a median salary around $179,506 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $201,760 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $158,179. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $158,179 10% $138,762 90% $222,021 75% $201,760 $179,506 50%(Median)
Check out Plant Operations Director jobs in Denver, Colorado

Director of Finance Operations

BEAM Minerals - Grand Junction, CO

Director of Warehouse Operations

Ace Hardware - Colorado Springs, CO

Plant Operations Director

Pioneers Medical Center - Meeker, CO

download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Plant Operations Director

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Plant Operations Director profession are Boulder , Eldorado Springs , Jamestown , Louisville , Niwot .
Boulder, CO $184,972
Eldorado Springs, CO $184,972
Jamestown, CO $184,972
Louisville, CO $184,972
Niwot, CO $184,972

Best-Paying States for Plant Operations Director

The states and districts that pay Plant Operations Director the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $196,258) , California (around $194,494) , New Jersey (around $193,260) , Alaska (around $192,026) , and Massachusetts (around $191,849) .
District of Columbia $196,258
California $194,494
New Jersey $193,260
Alaska $192,026
Massachusetts $191,849

What is the Career Path of Plant Operations Director?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Plant Operations Director, the first career path typically starts with a Manufacturing Director position , and then progresses to Chief Manufacturing Officer.

Additionally, the second career path typically starts with a Plant Manager position , and then progresses to Plant General Manager.

Besides, Plant Operations Director can also turn to other related jobs, including Director Of Plant Operations , Power Plant Operations Director , Plant Operations Manager and Utility Plant Director .

Frequently Asked Questions for Plant Operations Director

Q: What is the salary range of Plant Operations Director in Denver, CO?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Plant Operations Director in Denver, CO earned an average annual salary of $158,179 , while the highest-paid made $201,760.
Q: What is the salary for a Plant Operations Director in California?
A: Plant Operations Director employed in California earned an average salary of $194,494 in 2025.

Average Plant Operations Director Pay vs. Other Jobs

Plant Operations Director earned an average salary of $179,506 in 2025. Other jobs related to Plant Operations Director earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Director Of Plant Operations made $170,656 , Power Plant Operations Director made $195,996 , Plant Operations Manager and Utility Plant Director made $177,870 and $196,000 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Plant Operations Director

Director Of Plant Operations - Average Salary $170,656
There is currently no job description for Director Of Plant Operations, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Director Of Plant Operations.
Power Plant Operations Director - Average Salary $195,996
Power Plant Operations Director directs overall operations of a power generation plant. Monitors operations to produce reliable energy efficiently and safely. Being a Power Plant Operations Director develops preventative maintenance, emergency and operational plans and procedures. Ensures all applicable regulatory requirements are followed. Additionally, Power Plant Operations Director may require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. The Power Plant Operations Director 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. To be a Power Plant Operations Director typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Plant Operations Manager - Average Salary $177,870
Plant Operations Manager oversees the daily operational activities of a plant or production facility. Develops and manages production schedules to meet internal volume, cost, and quality goals. Being a Plant Operations Manager utilizes operational metrics to analyze productivity, identify issues, and set performance targets to achieve production goals. Implements plant safety and security inspections, auditing, and training procedures to meet OSHA and other required regulations. Additionally, Plant Operations Manager oversees staffing and development of all production supervisors and staff and facilitates labor relations. Typically requires a bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering or equivalent. Typically reports to a director. The Plant Operations Manager 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. To be a Plant Operations Manager typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Utility Plant Director - Average Salary $196,000
The Utility Plant Director monitors operations to produce reliable energy efficiently and safely. Directs overall operations of a power generation plant. Being a Utility Plant Director ensures all applicable regulatory requirements are followed. Develops preventative maintenance, emergency and operational plans and procedures. In addition, Utility Plant Director may require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to senior management. The Utility Plant Director 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. Working as a Utility Plant Director typically requires 3+ years of managerial experience. Capable of resolving escalated issues arising from operations and requiring coordination with other departments.
Director of Plant and Facilities - Average Salary $189,090
The Director of Plant and Facilities develops and monitors budgets and approves contracts to meet current and future needs. Directs the design, planning, construction, and maintenance of an organization's facilities and properties. Being a Director of Plant and Facilities evaluates and selects contractors for facility projects and delivery of services. Oversees all building operations, including repairs, refurbishments, and the maintenance of mechanical, electrical, fire/life safety, plumbing, and waste management systems. In addition, Director of Plant and Facilities ensures building operations meet service standards and comply with all local laws and regulations. Typically requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to functional management. The Director of Plant and Facilities manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. Working as a Director of Plant and Facilities typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.