Power Plant Operators Salary (2025)
Based on 29,320 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $61,790 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $79,690 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $102,040 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $119,080 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $131,940 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$62K
25th
$80K
Median
$102K
75th
$119K
90th
$132K
Highest Paying States for Power Plant Operators
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| Washington | $128,230 |
| New Jersey | $120,430 |
| Hawaii | $119,700 |
| North Dakota | $116,410 |
| Nevada | $115,780 |
| Oregon | $113,120 |
| Idaho | $112,490 |
| California | $110,960 |
| Delaware | $110,380 |
| Tennessee | $108,900 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Power Plant Operators salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is Washington at an average of $128,230 per year, while Tennessee has an average of $108,900 — a difference of $19,330. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Power Plant Operators
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 29,320 workers were employed as Power Plant Operatorss in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Production Occupations. The annual mean wage of $99,790 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 51-8013