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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers vs Power Plant Operators: Salary Comparison

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers

Median Salary
$68,715
Average (Mean)
$71,283
Employed Nationwide
28,400
VS

Power Plant Operators

Median Salary
$101,174
Average (Mean)
$99,621
Employed Nationwide
28,530
Power Plant Operators earns $32,458 more (47.2%)
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers vs Power Plant Operators national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Computer Numerically Controlled Tool ProgrammersComputer Numerically Control…Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers: $68,716$68,716Power Plant OperatorsPower Plant OperatorsPower Plant Operators: $101,174$101,174

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $68,715 $101,174
Average (Mean) Salary $71,283 $99,621
Total Employment 28,400 28,530
States with Higher Pay 2 40

Salary by State: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers vs Power Plant Operators

Showing 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers pays more in 2 states; Power Plant Operators pays more in 40.

State Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers Power Plant Operators Difference
Alabama $64,590
$107,080
$-42,490
Arizona $74,450
$84,970
$-10,520
Arkansas $56,390
$97,760
$-41,370
California $82,090
$105,210
$-23,120
Colorado $69,570
$102,780
$-33,210
Connecticut $86,390
$97,460
$-11,070
Florida $63,970
$94,290
$-30,320
Georgia $61,360
$107,580
$-46,220
Idaho $63,560
$124,440
$-60,880
Illinois $68,830
$104,440
$-35,610
Indiana $63,200
$107,000
$-43,800
Iowa $57,780
$100,500
$-42,720
Kansas $76,080
$79,980
$-3,900
Kentucky $64,980
$93,400
$-28,420
Maine $72,920
$81,060
$-8,140
Maryland $65,670
$111,260
$-45,590
Massachusetts $81,670
$100,140
$-18,470
Michigan $64,640
$105,820
$-41,180
Minnesota $74,190
$94,390
$-20,200
Mississippi $50,190
$102,400
$-52,210
Missouri $78,130
$101,900
$-23,770
Montana $70,860
$106,040
$-35,180
Nebraska $63,190
$98,210
$-35,020
Nevada $57,210
$131,400
$-74,190
New Hampshire $71,680
$81,070
$-9,390
New Jersey $70,460
$131,370
$-60,910
New York $68,730
$106,990
$-38,260
North Carolina $63,990
$108,300
$-44,310
North Dakota $75,990
$122,160
$-46,170
Ohio $60,080
$104,160
$-44,080
Oklahoma $65,590
$88,590
$-23,000
Oregon $75,150
$109,830
$-34,680
Pennsylvania $66,330
$95,800
$-29,470
Rhode Island $62,640
$98,050
$-35,410
South Carolina $69,470
$79,900
$-10,430
Tennessee $69,700
$115,920
$-46,220
Texas $69,550
$102,510
$-32,960
Utah $65,610
$107,120
$-41,510
Vermont $77,980
$78,240
$-260
Virginia $74,390
$73,640
+$750
Washington $81,420
$131,620
$-50,200
Wisconsin $67,460
$66,080
+$1,380

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers vs Power Plant Operators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers or Power Plant Operators?
On average across all states, a Power Plant Operators earns more than a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers. The national median salary difference is $32,458 (47.2%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers earn more than a Power Plant Operators?
A Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers earns a higher median salary than a Power Plant Operators in 2 out of 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Power Plant Operators pays more in 40 states.
What is the median salary for a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers vs Power Plant Operators?
The national median salary for a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers is $68,715 per year, compared to $101,174 for a Power Plant Operators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers or Power Plant Operators?
There are more people employed as Power Plant Operators. BLS reports approximately 28,400 Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers positions and 28,530 Power Plant Operators positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers or Power Plant Operators?
Both Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers and Power Plant Operators are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

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