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How much does a Utility Operator make?

The average salary for a Utility Operator is $46,496 per year in the US.

Utility operators play a key role in keeping communities running smoothly. They manage water, sewage, and other utility systems. The average yearly salary for a utility operator is $46,496. This means that, on average, utility operators earn a solid income. Their work is important, and so is their pay.


The salary for utility operators can vary based on experience and location. Here are some average salaries at different experience levels:

  • Entry-level: $32,000
  • Early career: $36,083
  • Mid-career: $40,165
  • Experienced: $48,331
  • Late career: $52,414
  • Early post-retirement: $56,496
These figures show that with more experience, utility operators can earn more. This makes the job both rewarding and financially stable.

View Utility Operator jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Utility Operator?

Utility Operator jobs offer competitive salaries in many cities. Washington, DC, leads with an average salary of $80,000. Albuquerque, NM, and Omaha, NE, follow closely with average salaries around $56,000. Other cities also provide good opportunities. Tulsa, OK, and Columbus, OH, have average salaries of about $54,000 and $53,000. Sioux Falls, SD, and Lincoln, NE, offer salaries close to $50,000. These cities present solid career options 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 $45,854.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $80,000
    In Washington, DC, you can find rewarding work with the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority. This role involves maintaining the city's water and wastewater systems. The job offers a stable environment with opportunities for career growth.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $56,814
    Albuquerque, NM, provides a unique setting for those in utility operations. The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority is a key employer. Here, you will manage water resources and ensure the city's water supply is reliable.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  3. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $56,527
    Omaha, NE, offers a dynamic environment for utility operators. The city's Metropolitan Utilities District is a major employer. This role involves overseeing water and wastewater systems, ensuring the community has access to clean water.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Omaha, NE


  4. Tulsa, OK
    Average Salary: $54,072
    In Tulsa, OK, you can work with the Tulsa Water Utilities. This job involves maintaining the city's water infrastructure. The role offers a chance to contribute to the community's well-being and enjoy a stable career.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Tulsa, OK


  5. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $53,060
    Columbus, OH, provides a solid career path for utility operators. The Columbus Water Works is a key employer. This role involves managing water systems and ensuring the city's water supply is safe and reliable.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Columbus, OH


  6. Sioux Falls, SD
    Average Salary: $50,540
    Sioux Falls, SD, offers a supportive environment for utility operators. The city's Water Utilities department is a major employer. This role involves overseeing water and wastewater systems, contributing to the community's health and safety.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Sioux Falls, SD


  7. Lincoln, NE
    Average Salary: $49,601
    Lincoln, NE, provides a stable career for utility operators. The Lincoln Water System is a key employer. This role involves managing water resources and ensuring the city's water supply is reliable.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Lincoln, NE


  8. Grand Rapids, MI
    Average Salary: $46,679
    In Grand Rapids, MI, you can work with the Grand Rapids Water & Light. This role involves maintaining the city's water and wastewater systems. The job offers a stable environment with opportunities for career growth.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Grand Rapids, MI


  9. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $46,650
    Indianapolis, IN, offers a rewarding career for utility operators. The city's Department of Public Works is a major employer. This role involves managing water systems and ensuring the community has access to clean water.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Indianapolis, IN


  10. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $45,854
    Rochester, NY, provides a dynamic environment for utility operators. The city's Water Authority is a key employer. This role involves overseeing water and wastewater systems, ensuring the city's water supply is safe and reliable.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Rochester, NY

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

Utility Operator jobs offer good pay and benefits. Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. leads with an average salary of $63,424. Land O'Lakes and Sherwin-Williams also offer competitive salaries. Other top companies include Gerdau, Holcim, and Nestlé Purina. These companies provide stable jobs and good pay. Mars, ROYAL OAK ENTERPRISES, and Cargill also offer attractive salaries.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Utility Operator jobs, highlighting Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. with the highest at $63,424 and Cargill with the lowest at $43,288.
  1. Wheelabrator Technologies Inc.
    Average Salary: $63,424
    Wheelabrator Technologies Inc. offers rewarding Utility Operator jobs. They operate in various locations across the United States. Employees manage waste-to-energy plants, ensuring efficient operations. They work on-site at facilities in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida.


  2. Land O'Lakes
    Average Salary: $53,674
    Land O'Lakes provides Utility Operator jobs with a focus on agricultural operations. They have locations in Minnesota, Idaho, and California. Employees maintain and operate equipment to support farming activities. They ensure the smooth operation of facilities that support the company's agricultural products.


  3. Sherwin-Williams
    Average Salary: $51,439
    Sherwin-Williams offers Utility Operator jobs in their manufacturing facilities. They operate in multiple states, including Ohio, Texas, and California. Employees manage water treatment and waste management systems. They ensure the facilities run efficiently and comply with environmental regulations.


  4. Gerdau
    Average Salary: $50,567
    Gerdau provides Utility Operator jobs in its steel manufacturing plants. They operate in states like Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Texas. Employees manage water treatment and recycling systems. They ensure the plants operate efficiently and meet environmental standards.


  5. Holcim
    Average Salary: $49,283
    Holcim offers Utility Operator jobs in their cement manufacturing facilities. They operate in states like Texas, California, and Florida. Employees manage water treatment and waste management systems. They ensure the plants run efficiently and comply with environmental regulations.


  6. Nestlé Purina
    Average Salary: $48,797
    Nestlé Purina provides Utility Operator jobs in their pet food manufacturing plants. They operate in states like Missouri, Illinois, and California. Employees manage water treatment and waste management systems. They ensure the plants run efficiently and meet environmental standards.


  7. American Packaging Corporation
    Average Salary: $47,604
    American Packaging Corporation offers Utility Operator jobs in their manufacturing facilities. They operate in multiple states, including Ohio, Indiana, and California. Employees manage water treatment and waste management systems. They ensure the plants run efficiently and comply with environmental regulations.


  8. Mars
    Average Salary: $46,100
    Mars provides Utility Operator jobs in their manufacturing facilities. They operate in states like Pennsylvania, Illinois, and California. Employees manage water treatment and waste management systems. They ensure the plants run efficiently and meet environmental standards.


  9. ROYAL OAK ENTERPRISES
    Average Salary: $43,416
    ROYAL OAK ENTERPRISES offers Utility Operator jobs in their manufacturing facilities. They operate in states like Texas, California, and Florida. Employees manage water treatment and waste management systems. They ensure the plants run efficiently and comply with environmental regulations.


  10. Cargill
    Average Salary: $43,288
    Cargill provides Utility Operator jobs in their manufacturing facilities. They operate in multiple states, including Minnesota, Kansas, and California. Employees manage water treatment and waste management systems. They ensure the plants run efficiently and meet environmental standards.

How to earn more as a Utility Operator?

A Utility Operator can find several ways to increase their earnings. By focusing on key areas, one can enhance their skills and value in the job market. This leads to higher earning potential. Investing in education and certifications can open doors to better-paying positions. Gaining experience in different utility systems also broadens job opportunities.

Here are some factors to consider for earning more as a Utility Operator:

  1. Education and Certifications: Completing relevant courses and obtaining certifications can lead to higher-paying jobs. These credentials show a commitment to professional growth.
  2. Experience: Working in various roles and gaining experience in different utility systems can make a candidate more attractive to employers. Experience often leads to higher salaries.
  3. Specializations: Focusing on specific areas like water treatment, wastewater management, or electrical systems can lead to specialized roles. These roles often come with higher pay.
  4. Safety and Efficiency: Demonstrating a strong commitment to safety and efficiency can lead to promotions and higher pay. Employers value operators who can improve system performance.
  5. Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Networking with other professionals in the field can open doors to better positions.

Currently 189 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
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Utility Operator
189 Job Openings