Position
Salary

How much does a Utility Operator make?

The average salary for a Utility Operator is $49,525 per year in the US.

Utility operators earn a solid income that supports a comfortable lifestyle. The average yearly salary for a utility operator is around $49,525. This number can vary based on experience, location, and the specific utility company. Many utility operators see their earnings grow with more experience and taking on more responsibility.

The salary for utility operators also depends on the area where they work. Some regions offer higher wages due to the cost of living or the demand for utility services. An entry-level operator might start at about $31,500. With a few years of experience, they can earn up to $49,435. As they gain more experience, salaries can go up to $80,820 for those in senior positions. These figures show the potential for growth and financial stability in this career.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Utility Operator?

Job seekers looking for high pay as Utility Operators should consider Washington, DC. This city offers the highest average salary of $80,000. Clarksville, TN, and Omaha, NE, also provide strong salaries with averages around $64,378 and $58,070, respectively. Other notable cities include Tulsa, OK, and Indianapolis, IN, each offering average salaries over $57,000. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those in the Utility Operator field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Utility Operator jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $80,000 and Cleveland, OH with the lowest at $46,799.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $80,000
    Work in a bustling hub where infrastructure matters. The city’s essential services rely on operators ensuring smooth water and wastewater systems. Key employers include the DC Water Authority.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Clarksville, TN
    Average Salary: $64,378
    Be part of a growing community with significant utility needs. Operators play a crucial role in maintaining the city's water and sewage systems. Clarksville Gas and Water manage these vital services.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Clarksville, TN


  3. Omaha, NE
    Average Salary: $58,070
    Join a city known for its innovative approach to utilities. Omaha Public Power District offers a dynamic environment for those interested in energy distribution and management.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Omaha, NE


  4. Tulsa, OK
    Average Salary: $57,625
    Play a key role in one of Oklahoma’s largest cities. Operators ensure efficient water and wastewater services. Tulsa's utilities are managed by the City of Tulsa’s Water Department.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Tulsa, OK


  5. Albuquerque, NM
    Average Salary: $57,129
    Be part of a city with unique environmental challenges. Operators work to maintain water quality and distribution. Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority handles these critical services.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Albuquerque, NM


  6. Indianapolis, IN
    Average Salary: $54,003
    Contribute to the heart of Indiana’s largest city. Operators manage vital water and wastewater services. Indianapolis Water Company provides essential utilities to the area.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Indianapolis, IN


  7. Columbus, OH
    Average Salary: $52,505
    Support a major city’s utility needs in a thriving environment. Columbus Water and Sewer Department ensures clean and reliable water services for residents.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Columbus, OH


  8. Charleston, SC
    Average Salary: $50,190
    Be part of a city rich in history and growth. Operators ensure efficient water and sewer services. Charleston Water System manages these essential utilities.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $49,177
    Play a role in maintaining a city known for its innovation. Operators support clean water and wastewater management. Rochester’s water services are overseen by the City of Rochester.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Rochester, NY


  10. Cleveland, OH
    Average Salary: $46,799
    Join a city with a rich industrial history. Operators are crucial for maintaining water and wastewater systems. Cleveland Water Division provides essential services to the city.
    Find Utility Operator jobs in Cleveland, OH

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying Utility Operator roles should consider positions at Wheelabrator Technologies, Abbott, and ADM. These companies offer competitive salaries and often include benefits that enhance job satisfaction. Working for one of these organizations can lead to a rewarding and financially secure career.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Utility Operator jobs, highlighting Wheelabrator Technologies with the highest at $63,646 and Ardent Mills with the lowest at $46,676.
  1. Wheelabrator Technologies
    Average Salary: $63,646
    Wheelabrator Technologies offers rewarding career opportunities in waste-to-energy and resource recovery. With facilities across the United States, this company provides various job locations. Utility Operators here are key in managing energy production and waste treatment. The role involves operating machinery and monitoring processes to ensure smooth plant operations.


  2. Abbott
    Average Salary: $61,459
    Abbott is a global healthcare leader with a wide range of products. This company offers Utility Operator positions in multiple locations across the U.S. The role includes maintaining and operating machinery and systems to support manufacturing processes. Abbott provides training and development opportunities for career growth.


  3. ADM
    Average Salary: $56,681
    ADM, a global leader in agriculture, food, and energy, offers competitive salaries for Utility Operators. The company operates in various locations, providing opportunities to work in agriculture, food production, and biofuel. The role involves ensuring the efficient operation of plant equipment and maintaining plant cleanliness and safety.


  4. Land O'Lakes, Inc.
    Average Salary: $54,721
    Land O'Lakes, Inc. is a cooperative of agriculture and dairy producers offering Utility Operator jobs with good compensation. Operating in numerous locations, this company provides opportunities in food production and processing. The role includes managing plant systems and ensuring they run smoothly to support production.


  5. Flowers Foods & Subsidiaries
    Average Salary: $53,249
    Flowers Foods & Subsidiaries, a leading bakery products company, offers jobs for Utility Operators with competitive salaries. The company operates in many locations, providing opportunities in baking and food production. The role involves operating and maintaining machinery to support baking and packaging processes.


  6. ReWorld
    Average Salary: $52,752
    ReWorld offers Utility Operator positions with a focus on recycling and sustainability. The company has facilities in several locations, providing opportunities in waste management and recycling. The role involves operating equipment and systems to process materials and ensure efficient plant operations.


  7. The City of Derby
    Average Salary: $48,593
    The City of Derby offers Utility Operator jobs with a focus on public service. Operating in Derby, this company provides opportunities in water and wastewater treatment. The role includes maintaining and operating treatment plants and ensuring they run smoothly to support the community's needs.


  8. The Gund Company
    Average Salary: $47,454
    The Gund Company offers Utility Operator jobs in manufacturing and engineering. Operating in various locations, this company provides opportunities in machinery operation and maintenance. The role involves ensuring plant equipment runs efficiently and safely to support production.


  9. City of Canton, Ohio
    Average Salary: $46,692
    The City of Canton, Ohio, offers Utility Operator jobs with a focus on public service. The city provides opportunities in water and wastewater treatment. The role involves operating and maintaining treatment plants to ensure smooth operations and support the community's needs.


  10. Ardent Mills
    Average Salary: $46,676
    Ardent Mills offers Utility Operator positions in the food industry. Operating in various locations, the company provides opportunities in flour milling and food processing. The role includes operating and maintaining machinery to support milling and production processes.

How to earn more as a Utility Operator?

Becoming a Utility Operator can lead to a stable career with good earning potential. Focus on advancing skills and gaining experience to earn more. Consider these key factors to boost earnings:

  • Get certifications: Earn relevant certifications to show expertise.
  • Learn new skills: Stay updated with the latest technology and methods.
  • Seek promotions: Move into higher roles such as Supervisor or Manager.
  • Gain experience: Work in different areas to become more valuable.
  • Network: Connect with other professionals to learn about higher-paying opportunities.

These factors help increase job satisfaction and earnings. Certifications and new skills make a candidate more attractive. Promotions often come with higher pay. Experience and networking open doors to better-paying roles.

Currently 243 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
243 Job Openings