Hydroelectric Production Managers

O*NET 11-3051.06 · SOC 11-3051

Hydroelectric Production Manager is a solid career choice. Median pay is $126k a year with +2.6% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 17,000 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+2.6%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$126k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
17k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Monitor water flow and reservoir levels affecting power generation
  • →Coordinate turbine and generator maintenance with engineering staff
  • →Adjust power output based on grid demand and water availability
  • →Ensure hydroelectric operations comply with water use permits
  • →Review shift logs to track plant performance and incidents

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most Hydroelectric Production Manager positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

Get Started Learning

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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Hydroelectric Production Manager involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningMonitor water flow and reservoir levels affecting power generation
MiddayCoordinate turbine and generator maintenance with engineering staff
AfternoonAdjust power output based on grid demand and water availability

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)5.4
Conventional (Organizers)5.0
Enterprising (Persuaders)4.6
Investigative (Thinkers)3.6
Social (Helpers)1.8
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Hydroelectric Production Manager?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ESTJThe ExecutiveISTJThe InspectorISTPThe CraftspersonENTJThe Commander

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Hydroelectric Production Manager Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Hydroelectric Production Managers is projected to grow 2.6% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

44/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·30% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Hydroelectric Production Manager make?

The median Hydroelectric Production Manager earns $126k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Hydroelectric Production Manager jobs?

Our model puts Hydroelectric Production Manager at 44 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 40% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 30% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Hydroelectric Production Manager a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 2.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 17,000 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Hydroelectric Production Manager?

Most Hydroelectric Production Manager roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.

How long does it take to become a Hydroelectric Production Manager?

Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Hydroelectric Production Manager career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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