Power Plant Operators
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Median pay: $102,040/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -11.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 2,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
• Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
• Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
• Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
• Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
• Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.
• Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
• Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.
What's the median pay for Power Plant Operators?
The median pay for Power Plant Operators is $102,040 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Power Plant Operators?
Employment for Power Plant Operators is projected to change -11.2% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Power Plant Operators?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Power Plant Operators?
About 2,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.