Power Plant Operators
Occupation
$99,670
National Median Salary
$47.92
Median Hourly Wage
30,720
Total Employment
Salary Distribution
10th percentile → 25th → Median → 75th → 90th percentile
Salary Trend (2014-2024)
+42.2%
10 Year Change
$70,070
2014 Median
$99,670
2024 Median
Best Paying Industries
Industry Wage Growth
Best Paying States
Fastest Growing States
Where This Career Pays Above Average
Top Paying Industries for Power Plant Operators
| Industry | Annual Median | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Gas Distribution | $139,200 | 520 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation) | $108,040 | 680 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $107,870 | 420 |
| Nuclear Electric Power Generation | $107,190 | 240 |
| Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation | $103,640 | 11,860 |
Top Paying States for Power Plant Operators
| State | Annual Median | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $124,050 | 570 |
| New York | $121,760 | 2,350 |
| Hawaii | $115,190 | 430 |
| Oregon | $114,500 | 200 |
| New Jersey | $109,970 | 210 |
Related Occupations
Explore Power Plant Operators by State
Explore Power Plant Operators by Industry
See how this career performs in specific industries
Natural Gas Distribution
Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
Management of Companies and Enterprises
Nuclear Electric Power Generation
Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation
Utilities
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution
Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation)
Hydroelectric Power Generation
Solar Electric Power Generation
Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation)
Metal Ore Mining