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Best States for Power Plant Operators: Highest-paid Power Plant Operators by State

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    Carter A
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Power plant operators are responsible for overseeing the operation of power generation equipment to ensure the efficient and safe production of electricity.

This article will explore the best states for power plant operators, based on the average annual salary for the occupation.

Key Takeaways

  • The highest-paid power plant operators are in Washington, where they earn an average of $116,410 per year.
  • The lowest-paid power plant operators are in Puerto Rico, where they earn an average of $52,700 per year.
  • The U.S. average salary for power plant operators is $87,255 per year.

1. Washington ($116,410)

Washington Power Plant Operators in Washington earn the highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for power plant operators in Washington is $116,410, which is +33% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$116,410
10th Percentile$78,310
25th Percentile$107,180
75th Percentile$135,570
90th Percentile$139,190

2. Idaho ($106,150)

Idaho Power Plant Operators in Idaho earn the 2nd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for power plant operators in Idaho is $106,150, which is +22% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$106,150
10th Percentile$69,820
25th Percentile$99,440
75th Percentile$122,300
90th Percentile$140,350

3. New York ($105,230)

New York Power Plant Operators in New York earn the 3rd highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for power plant operators in New York is $105,230, which is +21% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$105,230
10th Percentile$60,180
25th Percentile$81,090
75th Percentile$125,510
90th Percentile$140,500

4. California ($103,320)

California Power Plant Operators in California earn the 4th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for power plant operators in California is $103,320, which is +18% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$103,320
10th Percentile$60,820
25th Percentile$76,460
75th Percentile$134,610
90th Percentile$149,700

5. Maryland ($102,720)

Maryland Power Plant Operators in Maryland earn the 5th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for power plant operators in Maryland is $102,720, which is +18% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$102,720
10th Percentile$78,540
25th Percentile$100,160
75th Percentile$110,700
90th Percentile$121,900

6. New Jersey ($101,130)

New Jersey Power Plant Operators in New Jersey earn the 6th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for power plant operators in New Jersey is $101,130, which is +16% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$101,130
10th Percentile$65,280
25th Percentile$82,310
75th Percentile$120,430
90th Percentile$121,660

7. Nebraska ($99,440)

Nebraska Power Plant Operators in Nebraska earn the 7th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for power plant operators in Nebraska is $99,440, which is +14% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$99,440
10th Percentile$80,420
25th Percentile$82,330
75th Percentile$104,950
90th Percentile$127,600

8. Hawaii ($98,330)

Hawaii Power Plant Operators in Hawaii earn the 8th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for power plant operators in Hawaii is $98,330, which is +13% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$98,330
10th Percentile$72,320
25th Percentile$81,410
75th Percentile$111,280
90th Percentile$124,020

9. North Dakota ($97,830)

North Dakota Power Plant Operators in North Dakota earn the 9th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for power plant operators in North Dakota is $97,830, which is +12% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$97,830
10th Percentile$75,030
25th Percentile$78,400
75th Percentile$114,520
90th Percentile$116,770

10. Oregon ($95,740)

Oregon Power Plant Operators in Oregon earn the 10th highest average salary in the U.S. The median annual salary for power plant operators in Oregon is $95,740, which is +10% from the national average.
TypeAnnual Salary
Median Wage$95,740
10th Percentile$60,400
25th Percentile$76,150
75th Percentile$120,150
90th Percentile$128,230

Conclusion

The highest-paid power plant operators are in Washington, where they earn an average of $116,410 per year. The lowest-paid power plant operators are in Puerto Rico, where they earn an average of $52,700 per year. The U.S. average salary for power plant operators is $87,255 per year and there are 31,590 jobs in the field.