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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Water Plant Manager in South Carolina is $103,074 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 | $112,339 | $9,362 | $2,160 | $54 |
| Average | $103,074 | $8,589 | $1,982 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,690 | $7,474 | $1,725 | $43 |
City of Columbia Government - Columbia, SC
Gateway Group Personnel - Carolina, SC
Sun Gro Horticulture - Anderson, SC
Oxco, Inc - Fort Mill, SC
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 | $99,356 |
| Intermediate Level Water Plant Manager | $99,914 |
| Senior Level Water Plant Manager | $101,773 |
| Specialist Level Water Plant Manager | $104,003 |
| Expert Level Water Plant Manager | $106,446 |
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 | $133,996 | $64.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $128,842 | $62.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $123,688 | $59.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $118,535 | $57.0 | 15% |
| Construction | $113,381 | $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 | $112,339 | $9,362 | $2,160 | $54 |
| Average | $103,074 | $8,589 | $1,982 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,690 | $7,474 | $1,725 | $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.
Performance Seats, Inc
Spartanburg, SC
Performance Seats, Inc | Spartanburg, SC
Plant ManagerThe Plant Manager at PSS (Performance Seats Spartanburg) leads, manages, and strategically directs plant activities for production, quality, m... more
7 Days Ago
Steel Technologies LLC
Huger, SC
Steel Technologies LLC | Huger, SC
Job Description. Job Description. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS. 1. Supervise direct and indirect reports in the leadership team and all hourly teammates with... more
7 Days Ago
CRH
Cowpens, SC
CRH | Cowpens, SC
CRH - - Responsibilities: Direct all plant manufacturing processes and ensure quality products while maintaining a safe work environment. Plan and direct t... more
9 Days Ago
HTi LLC
Spartanburg, SC
HTi LLC | Spartanburg, SC
HTI is assisting a global packaging company with their search for an experienced, dynamic Plant Manager for their new start-up facility in Spartanburg, SC.... more
7 Days Ago
METGLAS INC
Myrtle Beach, SC
METGLAS INC | Myrtle Beach, SC
Job Description. Job Description. Metglas, Inc., located in Conway, SC, is a world leading producer of Amorphous Metal Ribbon. Since our company began in t... more
5 Days Ago
Backyard Specialty Pet Foods
Easley, SC
Backyard Specialty Pet Foods | Easley, SC
Job Description. Job Description. POSITION DESCRIPTION: Plant Manager Trainee – Animal Feed. Position Title: Plant Manager Trainee Classification: Exempt, ... more
5 Days Ago
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