Power Plant Operator Salary by State (2026)
Median annual pay for power plant operators in all 49 reporting states, from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025) data. Roughly 28,530 power plant operators are employed across these states — the highest median pay is $131,620 in Washington, and the typical state median is about $102,400.
Top-Paying States
Full Table: All States
| # | State | Median Annual Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $131,620 | 430 |
| 2 | Nevada | $131,400 | 250 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $131,370 | 300 |
| 4 | Idaho | $124,440 | 310 |
| 5 | North Dakota | $122,160 | 150 |
| 6 | Hawaii | $121,700 | 290 |
| 7 | Tennessee | $115,920 | 490 |
| 8 | Maryland | $111,260 | 330 |
| 9 | Oregon | $109,830 | 250 |
| 10 | North Carolina | $108,300 | 420 |
| 11 | Georgia | $107,580 | 590 |
| 12 | Utah | $107,120 | 420 |
| 13 | Alabama | $107,080 | 790 |
| 14 | Indiana | $107,000 | 1,190 |
| 15 | New York | $106,990 | 1,960 |
| 16 | Montana | $106,040 | 130 |
| 17 | Michigan | $105,820 | 1,220 |
| 18 | New Mexico | $105,510 | 130 |
| 19 | California | $105,210 | 2,610 |
| 20 | Illinois | $104,440 | 1,160 |
| 21 | Ohio | $104,160 | 730 |
| 22 | Delaware | $103,010 | 80 |
| 23 | Colorado | $102,780 | 250 |
| 24 | Texas | $102,510 | 2,100 |
| 25 | Mississippi | $102,400 | 450 |
| 26 | Missouri | $101,900 | — |
| 27 | Louisiana | $101,170 | 370 |
| 28 | Iowa | $100,500 | 470 |
| 29 | Massachusetts | $100,140 | 880 |
| 30 | Wyoming | $99,200 | 230 |
| 31 | Nebraska | $98,210 | 360 |
| 32 | Rhode Island | $98,050 | 50 |
| 33 | Arkansas | $97,760 | 220 |
| 34 | Connecticut | $97,460 | 250 |
| 35 | West Virginia | $97,210 | 170 |
| 36 | Pennsylvania | $95,800 | 1,010 |
| 37 | Minnesota | $94,390 | 970 |
| 38 | Florida | $94,290 | 1,640 |
| 39 | Kentucky | $93,400 | 690 |
| 40 | Alaska | $88,870 | 650 |
| 41 | Oklahoma | $88,590 | 520 |
| 42 | Arizona | $84,970 | 390 |
| 43 | New Hampshire | $81,070 | 90 |
| 44 | Maine | $81,060 | 190 |
| 45 | Kansas | $79,980 | 520 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $79,900 | 680 |
| 47 | Vermont | $78,240 | 140 |
| 48 | Virginia | $73,640 | 590 |
| 49 | Wisconsin | $66,080 | 420 |
| — | District of Columbia | — | — |
| — | South Dakota | — | — |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 state estimates. "—" means BLS did not publish an estimate for that state. Wages are medians — half of workers earn more. Click a column header to sort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do power plant operators earn more in some states than others?
This is one of the trades where the employer matters more than the state. Nuclear plants pay well above fossil and hydro, and utility and public-power employers pay above independent operators. States with nuclear generation or heavy industrial load — and now data center demand — sit at the top of the table.
Is this what a beginner power plant operator makes?
No — these are median wages across all experience levels, so half of power plant operators earn more and half earn less. Apprentices and entry-level workers typically start around 40–60% of the experienced rate, with scheduled raises as they complete training. Within a few years, most reach or pass the figures in this table.
Do power plant operators need a college degree?
No. Most power plant operators train through paid apprenticeships or short certificate programs and earn while they learn — no four-year degree or student debt required. See our guide on how to become an apprentice.
Next Steps
Pay is only half the picture — training path, licensing, and demand matter just as much. Start here:
Full Power Plant Operator Career Guide → Compare All 31 Trades → How to Become an Apprentice