Power Plant Operators Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for power plant operators in the United States was $102,040 ($49.06 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $61,790 | $29.71 |
| 25th | $79,690 | $38.31 |
| Median | $102,040 | $49.06 |
| 75th | $119,080 | $57.25 |
| 90th | $131,940 | $63.44 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 51-8013
- Total U.S. employment: 29,320
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
The median wage in this area is 0.0% below the national median — a difference of about $0 per year for a typical worker.
With approximately 29,320 power plant operators employed, this is a significant occupation in the labor market.
Power Plant Operators Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $107,080 | $51.48 | +4.9% | 790 |
| Alaska | $88,870 | $42.73 | -12.9% | 650 |
| Arizona | $84,970 | $40.85 | -16.7% | 390 |
| Arkansas | $97,760 | $47.00 | -4.2% | 220 |
| California | $105,210 | $50.58 | +3.1% | 2,610 |
| Colorado | $102,780 | $49.42 | +0.7% | 250 |
| Connecticut | $97,460 | $46.85 | -4.5% | 250 |
| Delaware | $103,010 | $49.53 | +1.0% | 80 |
| Florida | $94,290 | $45.33 | -7.6% | 1,640 |
| Georgia | $107,580 | $51.72 | +5.4% | 590 |
| Hawaii | $121,700 | $58.51 | +19.3% | 290 |
| Idaho | $124,440 | $59.83 | +22.0% | 310 |
| Illinois | $104,440 | $50.21 | +2.4% | 1,160 |
| Indiana | $107,000 | $51.44 | +4.9% | 1,190 |
| Iowa | $100,500 | $48.32 | -1.5% | 470 |
| Kansas | $79,980 | $38.45 | -21.6% | 520 |
| Kentucky | $93,400 | $44.90 | -8.5% | 690 |
| Louisiana | $101,170 | $48.64 | -0.9% | 370 |
| Maine | $81,060 | $38.97 | -20.6% | 190 |
| Maryland | $111,260 | $53.49 | +9.0% | 330 |
| Massachusetts | $100,140 | $48.14 | -1.9% | 880 |
| Michigan | $105,820 | $50.88 | +3.7% | 1,220 |
| Minnesota | $94,390 | $45.38 | -7.5% | 970 |
| Mississippi | $102,400 | $49.23 | +0.4% | 450 |
| Missouri | $101,900 | $48.99 | -0.1% | 0 |
| Montana | $106,040 | $50.98 | +3.9% | 130 |
| Nebraska | $98,210 | $47.22 | -3.8% | 360 |
| Nevada | $131,400 | $63.17 | +28.8% | 250 |
| New Hampshire | $81,070 | $38.98 | -20.6% | 90 |
| New Jersey | $131,370 | $63.16 | +28.7% | 300 |
| New Mexico | $105,510 | $50.73 | +3.4% | 130 |
| New York | $106,990 | $51.44 | +4.9% | 1,960 |
| North Carolina | $108,300 | $52.07 | +6.1% | 420 |
| North Dakota | $122,160 | $58.73 | +19.7% | 150 |
| Ohio | $104,160 | $50.08 | +2.1% | 730 |
| Oklahoma | $88,590 | $42.59 | -13.2% | 520 |
| Oregon | $109,830 | $52.80 | +7.6% | 250 |
| Pennsylvania | $95,800 | $46.06 | -6.1% | 1,010 |
| Rhode Island | $98,050 | $47.14 | -3.9% | 50 |
| South Carolina | $79,900 | $38.41 | -21.7% | 680 |
| Tennessee | $115,920 | $55.73 | +13.6% | 490 |
| Texas | $102,510 | $49.28 | +0.5% | 2,100 |
| Utah | $107,120 | $51.50 | +5.0% | 420 |
| Vermont | $78,240 | $37.62 | -23.3% | 140 |
| Virginia | $73,640 | $35.41 | -27.8% | 590 |
| Washington | $131,620 | $63.28 | +29.0% | 430 |
| West Virginia | $97,210 | $46.74 | -4.7% | 170 |
| Wisconsin | $66,080 | $31.77 | -35.2% | 420 |
| Wyoming | $99,200 | $47.69 | -2.8% | 230 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for power plant operators?
The median annual wage for power plant operators is $102,040 ($49.06 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays power plant operators the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many power plant operators are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 29,320 power plant operators employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do power plant operators make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $49.06. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.