Position
Salary

How much does a Utility Operator make?

The average salary for a Utility Operator is $48,390 per year in the US.

Utility operators manage systems that supply water, gas, and electricity to homes and businesses. The job pays well, with an average yearly salary of $48,390. Salaries can vary based on experience and location.

The salary can range widely. The lowest-paid workers earn around $32,000 a year. At the top end, some operators make over $80,000 annually. Most operators fall in the middle, earning between $40,000 and $60,000 each year. Factors like location and company size can affect these numbers. Urban areas often offer higher pay than rural ones. Larger companies may provide more benefits and higher salaries.

View Utility Operator jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Utility Operator?

Utility operators can find some of the best pay in Washington, DC. The average salary here is over $80,000 a year. Other top-paying cities include Syracuse, NY, and Albuquerque, NM. A good option is also Omaha, NE, with an average salary close to $60,000. Tulsa, OK, offers a strong salary, as does Sioux Falls, SD. Job seekers will find Indianapolis, IN, and Columbus, OH, among other cities with high salaries. Cleveland, OH, and Rochester, NY, also provide good earnings for utility operators.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Utility Operator jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $80,000 and Rochester, NY with the lowest at $46,368.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $80,000
    In Washington, DC, working in utilities involves maintaining water and wastewater treatment systems. Many operators work for the DC Water Authority. This role provides stability and good benefits.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $66,545
    Syracuse offers utility positions focused on managing water and wastewater. Employment with the Onondaga County Water Authority is common. Employees benefit from competitive pay and community service opportunities.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Syracuse, NY


  3. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $60,183
    Albuquerque's utility sector includes roles in water treatment and distribution. Workers for the Bernalillo County Regional Wastewater Recovery System can expect a mix of indoor and outdoor tasks. It's a job with good community ties.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  4. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $59,454
    Omaha's utility operators work with the city's water and wastewater facilities. Positions with the Metropolitan Utilities District are prominent. Workers benefit from a supportive environment and career growth.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Omaha, NE


  5. Tulsa, OK
    Average Salary: $57,836
    Tulsa's utility positions focus on maintaining clean water and efficient wastewater systems. The city's utilities department provides a stable job with good benefits. Workers often feel part of a community effort.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Tulsa, OK


  6. Sioux Falls, SD
    Average Salary: $54,721
    In Sioux Falls, utility operators play a key role in managing the city's water supply. The utility department values teamwork and offers a positive work environment. Employees enjoy good benefits and opportunities for advancement.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Sioux Falls, SD


  7. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $52,796
    Indianapolis offers utility roles that involve water treatment and distribution. Workers often find jobs with the city's utilities department. It's a stable job with benefits and room for professional growth.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Indianapolis, IN


  8. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $52,560
    Columbus's utility sector includes roles in wastewater management. Positions with the Columbus Division of Water are common. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and opportunities for career advancement.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Columbus, OH


  9. Cleveland, OH
    Average Salary: $46,530
    In Cleveland, utility operators focus on maintaining the city's water and wastewater systems. Working for the Cleveland Division of Water offers stability and good benefits. It's a job with a strong sense of community.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Cleveland, OH


  10. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $46,368
    Rochester's utility roles involve water treatment and distribution. Many operators work for Monroe County Water Authority. It's a job with good benefits and opportunities for professional development.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Rochester, NY

What are the best companies a Utility Operator can work for?

High-paying utility operator positions await at Wheelabrator Technologies Inc., with an average salary of $64,280. Land O'Lakes and Sherwin-Williams also offer competitive pay, averaging $54,870 and $51,293, respectively. Other notable companies include American Packaging Corporation, City of Canton, and THE GUND COMPANY, all providing attractive salaries for utility operators.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Utility Operator jobs, highlighting Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. with the highest at $64,280 and Cargill with the lowest at $43,382.
  1. Wheelabrator Technologies Inc.
    Average Salary: $64,280
    Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. provides waste-to-energy services. They have locations across the United States. Utility Operators here oversee waste management systems and ensure they run smoothly. This role is critical for keeping the environment clean and safe.


  2. Land O'Lakes
    Average Salary: $54,870
    Land O'Lakes is an agricultural cooperative. They operate in several states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin. Utility Operators at Land O'Lakes manage the facilities to support food production. They ensure that everything from water to electricity works well.


  3. Sherwin-Williams
    Average Salary: $51,293
    Sherwin-Williams is a paint and coatings company. They have locations all over the country. Utility Operators here focus on maintaining the production equipment. They ensure that the factory runs smoothly, supporting the creation of high-quality paint products.


  4. American Packaging Corporation
    Average Salary: $48,703
    American Packaging Corporation makes packaging materials. They operate across several states. Utility Operators manage the machinery used in manufacturing. Their role is crucial in keeping the production lines efficient.


  5. City of Canton
    Average Salary: $46,913
    The City of Canton offers public services. They are located in Ohio. Utility Operators here manage the city’s water and waste systems. They ensure that residents have access to clean water and efficient waste disposal services.


  6. THE GUND COMPANY
    Average Salary: $46,907
    THE GUND COMPANY creates plush toys. They are based in Massachusetts. Utility Operators here manage the machinery used in production. They ensure that the manufacturing process runs smoothly, helping to produce popular stuffed animals.


  7. Integrated Power Services
    Average Salary: $44,957
    Integrated Power Services provides power management solutions. They operate in several states. Utility Operators manage the equipment that controls power usage. Their work ensures that facilities use energy efficiently.


  8. Ardent Mills
    Average Salary: $44,213
    Ardent Mills produces grain products. They have locations across the United States. Utility Operators here oversee the equipment that processes grains. They ensure that the production lines run smoothly, supporting the creation of high-quality food products.


  9. Bartlett Grain
    Average Salary: $44,000
    Bartlett Grain is a family-owned grain company. They operate in the Midwest. Utility Operators here manage the facilities to support grain processing. Their role is key in ensuring efficient production of grain products.


  10. Cargill
    Average Salary: $43,382
    Cargill is a global agriculture and food company. They have locations worldwide. Utility Operators at Cargill manage the production equipment. Their work supports the creation of food products that people use every day.

How to earn more as a Utility Operator?

A Utility Operator plays a crucial role in maintaining the essential services that communities rely on every day. Those who excel in this field can find several pathways to increase their earnings. By focusing on professional development, gaining relevant certifications, and exploring opportunities for advancement, a Utility Operator can significantly boost their income.

Consider these steps to earn more in this career. First, obtaining certifications can open new doors. Certifications such as the Water Operator Certification or Wastewater Operator Certification can enhance your skills and knowledge. Second, gaining experience in different utility areas, such as water treatment, wastewater management, or electrical systems, can make you more valuable. Third, taking on leadership roles or supervisory positions can lead to higher pay. Fourth, pursuing further education, such as a degree in environmental science or engineering, can also lead to better-paying jobs. Finally, relocating to areas with higher demand for utility operators can result in increased salaries.

Investing time and effort into these areas can pay off in the long run. These actions not only increase earning potential but also contribute to career growth and job satisfaction.

  1. Obtain relevant certifications
  2. Gain experience in different utility areas
  3. Take on leadership roles
  4. Pursue further education
  5. Relocate to higher-demand areas

Currently 222 Utility Operator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Utility Operator in the US?

Learn what a Utility Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Utility Operator today.
Position
Overview
Utility Operator
222 Job Openings