Power Plant Operators Salary in California
The median pay for a power plant operators in California is $105,520/year ($50.73/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $61K at the entry level to $168K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $106K get you in California?
About power plant operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level power plant operators (10th percentile) start around $61K. Mid-career wages sit at $106K.Top earners bring in $168K or more - a $107K spread from bottom to top.
Power Plant Operators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $124K | +24% | 570 |
| New York | $122K | +22% | 2,350 |
| Hawaii | $115K | +16% | 430 |
| Oregon | $115K | +15% | 200 |
| New Jersey | $110K | +10% | 210 |
| North Dakota | $109K | +10% | 170 |
| Tennessee | $107K | +8% | 550 |
| Arizona | $107K | +8% | 890 |
| Nevada | $107K | +7% | 390 |
| Maryland | $106K | +7% | 310 |
| California | $106K | +6% | 2,390 |
| South Dakota | $105K | +6% | 40 |
| Wyoming | $105K | +6% | 210 |
| Michigan | $104K | +4% | 1,200 |
| Utah | $104K | +4% | 340 |
Track power plant operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do power plant operators make in California?
The median is $105,520 a year - that works out to about $50.73 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $61,320, and experienced power plant operators can clear $168,180. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $106K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,389/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 34.4% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a power plant operators salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median power plant operators salary is worth about $105,520 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do power plant operators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.