Hydroelectric Production Managers
Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.
Also called: Demand Generation Manager, Generation Manager, Hydroelectric Generation Manager (Hydro Generation Manager), Hydroelectric Generation Supervisor (Hydro Generation Supervisor), Hydroelectric Plant Site Manager (Hydro Plant Site Manager), Hydroelectric Production Manager
Median pay
$126,060
Pay for the broader BLS group “Industrial Production Managers”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$78,000 – $205,520
People employed
246,250
Whole BLS group
Holland code
RCE
Realistic · Conventional · Enterprising
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 2.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 5.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Tight deadlines are common
- Work outdoors in all weather
Hydroelectric Production Managers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Industrial Production Managers”.
What hydroelectric production managers do
- 01Direct operations, maintenance, or repair of hydroelectric power facilities.
- 02Identify and communicate power system emergencies.
- 03Maintain records of hydroelectric facility operations, maintenance, or repairs.
- 04Perform or direct preventive or corrective containment or cleanup to protect the environment.
- 05Monitor or inspect hydroelectric equipment, such as hydro-turbines, generators, or control systems.
- 06Inspect hydroelectric facilities, including switchyards, control houses, or relay houses, for normal operation or adherence to safety standards.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from hydroelectric production managers
- Wind Energy Operations Managers85% · group pay
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers81% · —
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators73% · —
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers72% · —
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians72% · —
Change into hydroelectric production managers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Wind Energy Operations Managers85% · $141,900
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators77% · $122,890
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers77% · $106,730
- Wind Energy Development Managers75% · $141,900
- Construction Managers73% · $114,990
Majors that lead here
- Industrial Engineering
- Engineering/Industrial Management
- Clinical and Industrial Drug Development
- Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences
- Business/Commerce, General
- Business Administration and Management, General
- Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management
- Operations Management and Supervision
- Science/Technology Management
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.