Power Plant Operators vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators: Who Earns More?
Power Plant Operators out-earn Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators by $57K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Power Plant Operators land at $102,040 and Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators at $44,650. The education gap is real: power plant operator programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while miscellaneous assemblers and fabricator programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Power Plant Operators is Washington ($131,620); for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators it's District of Columbia ($50,330).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Power Plant Operators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Power Plant Operators or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Power Plant Operators earn more nationally. The median is $102,040 for Power Plant Operators versus $44,650 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators, a difference of $57K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Power Plant Operators or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators has the better 10-year outlook at -0.1% projected growth, compared to -11.2% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Power Plant Operators or Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators?
Power Plant Operators typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Power Plant Operators get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Power Plant Operators at $131,620/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Power Plant Operators vs. Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Power Plant Operators earn $131,620 vs. $48,260 for Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.