Power Plant Operators
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
SOC: 51-8013.00
Common Job Titles
- Auxiliary Operator
- Control Room Operator
- Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Tech)
- Power Plant Operator
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Power Plant Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
30,720
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $59,930. 25th percentile: U.S. $77,400. 50th percentile: U.S. $99,670. 75th percentile: U.S. $111,980. 90th percentile: U.S. $128,760. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $59,930 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $128,760 |
| Workers on average earn | $95,990 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Mechanical4.0/5
- Public Safety and Security3.7/5
- English Language3.6/5
- Production and Processing3.4/5
- Chemistry3.2/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- SAP software
Technology Skills
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
- Continuous emissions monitoring systems CEMS
- Distributed control system DCS
- Email software
- Emerson Ovation
- Gas field monitoring system software
- General Electric Mark VI Distributed Control System DCS
- General Electric Mark VI Integrated Control System ICS
Tools & Equipment
- Absorbers
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Air compressors
- Air filtration mask
- Air heaters
- Air samplers
- All terrain vehicles ATV