Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Power Plant Operators
SOC: 51-8013 O*NET: 51-8013.00
Median Salary
$99,670
per year
Job Growth
📉 -11.2%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$59,802
25th
$79,736
50th (Median)
$99,670
75th
$119,604
90th
$149,505
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:31,600
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-11.2%
Annual Openings:2,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)31,600
Current
2034 (Projected)28,000
-11.2%
-3,500
Employment Change
-11.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
Top Skills
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Quality Control Analysis
Quality Control Analysis
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Mechanical
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
English Language
✓
Production and Processing
✓
Chemistry
✓
Physics
✓
Engineering and Technology
Education & Training
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year