Career Profile Power Plant Operators Education HS diploma or less This is the typical education required for an entry-level position. Earnings $92,000 This is the typical median salary earned for an entry-level position. Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power. General Information Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators. Excludes Nuclear Power Reactor Operators (51-8011). Watch a brief video about this occupation. Watch Video Power Plant Operators Occupational Outlook For the Rural Capital Area 3 Job Opportunities Over the next five years, an average of 3 openings per year are projected for Power Plant Operators. -10.1% Employment Change Employment for Power Plant Operators is forecasted to decrease -10.1% between 2023 and 2028. $44.21 Earnings Potential An average worker in this occupation is paid $44.21/hour. Entry level workers are paid $28.06, while experienced workers are paid $47.45. The median wage is significantly above average regional wages across occupations. Local Employment Opportunities There are 47 Power Plant Operators in the RCA region. By 2028 this number could reach 43. Top Employing Industries, Locally The top industries employing Power Plant Operators are Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support, and Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools. Knowledge Areas The top most significant knowledge categories for Power Plant Operators include Mechanical, English Language, and Public Safety and Security. Educational Attainment Patterns The most common level of education for Power Plant Operators is HS diploma or less. 5% of people employed in these roles have some form of college degree. Sources: BLS JobsEQ® ONET
