Power Plant Operators
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
$103,600
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
-10% projected 2024–2034
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical Entry-Level Education
What They Do
Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers control the systems that generate and distribute electric power.
Programs That Prepare You
College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Excelsior University, NY
$110,398
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians(masters)Oklahoma City University, OK
$108,612
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians(associates)Southeast Community College Area, NE
$104,847
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians(masters)New York Institute of Technology, NY
$98,934
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Ferris State University, MI
$67,764
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians(associates)Laramie County Community College, WY
$67,068
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians(associates)Iowa Lakes Community College, IA
$60,039
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians(associates)Refrigeration School Inc, AZ
$51,772
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians(bachelors)Illinois State University, IL
$46,992
Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians(certificate)Ashland Community and Technical College, KY
$27,379Related Careers
Other occupations in Production