Power Plant Operators

Manufacturing In demand
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.

What a power plant operator does

Become a power plant operator

If you enjoy doing these activities, you might make a good power plant operator

  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
  • Talking to others.
  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.

Discover what you could earn in Washington

  • Average hourly rate is $71 per hour with an average salary of $116,400 per year.
  • Half of workers earn between $46 and $88 per hour.
  • Half of workers earn an annual salary between $76,800 and $204,000 per year.
  • 70% of individuals in this occupation have been employed in every quarter of the past year.

Part-time

  • The average hourly rate for part-time workers is $38 per hour with an average salary of $34,400 per year.

Power Plant Operator job outlook

  • There are 368 workers in this occupation in Washington.
  • There are 36 openings per year in this occupation in Washington.

Multiple Jobs

  • 8% of individuals in this occupation held a position in another.

Growth rate by year

Education needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Programs to get you there

See all programs