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Scada Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Scada Operator make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Scada Operator in the United States is $93,935 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $104,796
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $86,450 to $99,620
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $79,635
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Scada Operator Salaries

A Scada Operator'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 Scada Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Scada Operator'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $94,455
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $109,716
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $124,720
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $152,590
  • Expert (over 8 years): $167,850
Levels Salary
Scada Ope... Level Scada Operator$94,455
Control &... Level Scada Operator$109,716
Control &... Level Scada Operator$124,720
Control &... Level Scada Operator$152,590
Control &... Level Scada Operator$167,850
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How Do Scada Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Scada Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $104,005.
  • California: $103,610.
  • Massachusetts: $102,229.

Top Paying Cities for Scada Operators

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:

  • San Jose: $118,480
  • San Francisco: $117,183
  • Oakland: $114,713

What Skills Can Increase a Scada Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.27% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Schematic (Mentioned in 2.53% Job Postings): A schematic, or schematic diagram, is a representation of the elements of a system using abstract, graphic symbols rather than realistic pictures.
  • Calibration (Mentioned in 2.04% Job Postings): In measurement technology and metrology, calibration is the comparison of measurement values delivered by a device under test with those of a calibration standard of known accuracy. Such a standard could be another measurement device of known accuracy, a device generating the quantity to be measured such as a voltage, a sound tone, or a physical artefact, such as a metre ruler. The outcome of the comparison can result in one of the following: no significant error being noted on the device under test a significant error being noted but no adjustment made an adjustment made to correct the error to an acceptable levelStrictly speaking, the term "calibration" means just the act of comparison, and does not include any subsequent adjustment. The calibration standard is normally traceable to a national standard held by a national metrological body.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.27%
Schematic 2.53%
Calibration 2.04%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Scada Operator's salary.

  • Algorithms: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Project Control: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
  • System Requirements: Can increase your salary by up to 10%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Algorithms $104,268
11%
Project Control $103,328
10%
System Requirements $103,328
10%
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Scada Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Scada Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Scada Operator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Scada Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Scada Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$126,812$61.035%
Biotechnology$122,115$59.030%
Software & Networking$122,115$59.030%
Energy & Utilities$117,418$56.025%
Aerospace & Defense$112,722$54.020%

Scada Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Scada Operator'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 September 01, 2026
$86,450
Average $93,935/year
$99,620
$7,204
Average $7,828/month
$8,302
$1,662
Average $1,806/week
$1,916
$42
Average $45/hour
$48
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $99,620 $8,302 $1,916 $48
Average $93,935 $7,828 $1,806 $45
25th Percentile $86,450 $7,204 $1,662 $42

Most common benefits for Scada Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Scada Operator

Here are companies hiring for Scada Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Scada Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Scada Operator?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Scada Operator roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

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