Power Plant Operators Salary in U.S. (2024)
The median pay for a power plant operators in U.S. is $99,670/year ($47.92/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $60K at the entry level to $129K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $100K get you in U.S.?
About power plant operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level power plant operators (10th percentile) start around $60K. Mid-career wages sit at $100K.Top earners bring in $129K or more - a $69K 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 U.S. numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do power plant operators make in U.S.?
The median is $99,670 a year - that works out to about $47.92 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $59,930, and experienced power plant operators can clear $128,760. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $100K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,542/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 21.6% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a power plant operators salary go in U.S.?
U.S. 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 $99,670 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.