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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Water Plant Manager in Kentucky is $103,514 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Water Plant Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Water Plant Manager Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $112,818 | $9,402 | $2,170 | $54 |
| Average | $103,514 | $8,626 | $1,991 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,073 | $7,506 | $1,732 | $43 |
Jsr Associates - Elizabethtown, KY
KCO Resource Management - Lexington, KY
Dippin'​ Dots, LLC - Paducah, KY
Sika - Versailles, KY
A Water Plant Manager'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 Water Plant Manager'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Water Plant Manager | $99,780 |
| Intermediate Level Water Plant Manager | $100,340 |
| Senior Level Water Plant Manager | $102,207 |
| Specialist Level Water Plant Manager | $104,447 |
| Expert Level Water Plant Manager | $106,901 |
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 Water Plant Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Water Plant Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Water Plant Manager positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Water Plant Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $134,568 | $65.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $129,392 | $62.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $124,217 | $60.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $119,041 | $57.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $113,865 | $55.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Water Plant Manager'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $112,818 | $9,402 | $2,170 | $54 |
| Average | $103,514 | $8,626 | $1,991 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,073 | $7,506 | $1,732 | $43 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Water Plant Manager job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Talis Group, Inc.
Louisville, KY
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Shelbyville, KY
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Louisville, KY
Isco Industries | Louisville, KY
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Tarter LLC
Liberty, KY
Tarter LLC | Liberty, KY
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Louisville, KY
Paradise Tomato Kitchen | Louisville, KY
Job Description. Job Description. SUMMARY. The Plant Manager will oversee all daily operations of the plant from production, maintenance, warehousing, and ... more
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