How Much Does a Plant Operations Staff make?

Plant Operations Staff made a median salary around $78,808 in December, 2024. The best-paid 25 percent made $96,882 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $66,018. 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.
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Best-Paying Cities for Plant Operations Staff

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Plant Operations Staff profession are Sunnyside , Woodside , Long Island City , Astoria , New York .
Sunnyside, NY $86,349
Woodside, NY $86,349
Long Island City, NY $86,349
Astoria, NY $86,349
New York, NY $86,349

Best-Paying States for Plant Operations Staff

The states and districts that pay Plant Operations Staff the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $82,283) , California (around $81,544) , New Jersey (around $81,026) , Alaska (around $80,509) , and Massachusetts (around $80,435) .
District of Columbia $82,283
California $81,544
New Jersey $81,026
Alaska $80,509
Massachusetts $80,435

What is the Career Path of Plant Operations Staff?

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 Staff, the upper level is Power Plant Operator II , and then progresses to Power Plant Operations Manager
Besides, Plant Operations Staff can also turn to other related jobs, including Plant Operations Manager , Plant Operations Superintendent , Power Plant Operations Manager and Plant Engineering Operations Manager .

Frequently Asked Questions for Plant Operations Staff

Q: What is the salary range of Plant Operations Staff in New York?
A: In 2024 , the lowest-paid Plant Operations Staff in New York earned an average annual salary of $66,018 , while the highest-paid made $96,882.
Q: What is the salary for a Plant Operations Staff in California?
A: Plant Operations Staff employed in California earned an average salary of $81,544 in 2024.

Average Plant Operations Staff Pay vs. Other Jobs

Plant Operations Staff earned an average salary of $78,808 in 2024. Other jobs related to Plant Operations Staff earned the following average salary in December, 2024. Plant Operations Manager made $184,833 , Plant Operations Superintendent made $125,800 , Power Plant Operations Manager and Plant Engineering Operations Manager made $168,549 and $184,900 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Plant Operations Staff

Plant Operations Manager - Average Salary $184,833
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.
Plant Operations Superintendent - Average Salary $125,800
The Plant Operations Superintendent typically reporting directly to plant operations manager, prepares operation schedules and coordinates manufacturing activities to ensure production and quality meet specifications. Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in all phases of a plant operation. Being a Plant Operations Superintendent may be required to meet certain certifications in field. The Plant Operations Superintendent manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Extensive knowledge of department processes. Working as a Plant Operations Superintendent typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required.
Power Plant Operations Manager - Average Salary $168,549
Power Plant Operations Manager manages and oversees the daily operations of a power generation plant. Monitors operations for efficiency and safety ensuring that all applicable regulatory requirements are followed. Being a Power Plant Operations Manager directs the implementation of preventative maintenance, emergency and operational plans and procedures. Ensures all applicable regulatory requirements are and safety protocols are followed. Additionally, Power Plant Operations Manager resolves problems and manages resources. May require a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Typically reports to a director. The Power Plant Operations Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. To be a Power Plant Operations Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.
Plant Engineering Operations Manager - Average Salary $184,900
The Plant Engineering Operations Manager develops and manages production schedules to meet internal volume, cost and quality goals. Oversees daily activities of the plant production operations. Being a Plant Engineering Operations Manager oversees staffing and development of all production supervisors and staff. Analyzes production metrics and makes recommendations for improvements and solutions to issues that are identified. In addition, Plant Engineering Operations Manager ensures safe operations and adherence to regulatory requirements. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Typically reports to top management. The Plant Engineering Operations Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Extensive knowledge of department processes. Working as a Plant Engineering Operations Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required.
Plant Production Operations Manager - Average Salary $184,840
The Plant Production Operations Manager develops and manages production schedules to meet internal volume, cost and quality goals. Oversees daily activities of the plant production operations. Being a Plant Production Operations Manager oversees staffing and development of all production supervisors and staff. Analyzes production metrics and makes recommendations for improvements and solutions to issues that are identified. In addition, Plant Production Operations Manager ensures safe operations and adherence to regulatory requirements. Typically requires a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Typically reports to top management. The Plant Production Operations Manager manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Extensive knowledge of department processes. Working as a Plant Production Operations Manager typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required.