National Salary Overview
VS
Power Plant Operators earns $10,336 more (12.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$83,507
$93,843
Average (Mean) Salary
$82,042
$91,033
Total Employment
14,960
31,460
States with Higher Pay
9
32
Salary by State: Gas Plant Operators vs Power Plant Operators
Showing 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. Gas Plant Operators pays more in 9 states; Power Plant Operators pays more in 32.
| State | Gas Plant Operators | Power Plant Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $65,190 | $103,730 | $-38,540 | ||
| Alaska | $132,360 | $82,660 | +$49,700 | ||
| Arizona | $84,220 | $106,150 | $-21,930 | ||
| Arkansas | $79,440 | $84,450 | $-5,010 | ||
| California | $116,400 | $97,970 | +$18,430 | ||
| Colorado | $86,820 | $94,390 | $-7,570 | ||
| Delaware | $74,930 | $102,070 | $-27,140 | ||
| Florida | $65,240 | $81,740 | $-16,500 | ||
| Idaho | $90,710 | $104,690 | $-13,980 | ||
| Illinois | $82,780 | $103,830 | $-21,050 | ||
| Indiana | $62,510 | $95,680 | $-33,170 | ||
| Iowa | $82,800 | $83,670 | $-870 | ||
| Kansas | $74,980 | $84,960 | $-9,980 | ||
| Kentucky | $63,900 | $82,810 | $-18,910 | ||
| Louisiana | $96,800 | $84,710 | +$12,090 | ||
| Maryland | $80,930 | $100,550 | $-19,620 | ||
| Michigan | $95,830 | $98,920 | $-3,090 | ||
| Minnesota | $99,150 | $90,540 | +$8,610 | ||
| Mississippi | $77,010 | $95,120 | $-18,110 | ||
| Missouri | $84,880 | $96,490 | $-11,610 | ||
| Montana | $85,010 | $100,290 | $-15,280 | ||
| Nebraska | $81,800 | $100,920 | $-19,120 | ||
| Nevada | $78,700 | $77,890 | +$810 | ||
| New Jersey | $101,580 | $107,620 | $-6,040 | ||
| New Mexico | $78,220 | $99,920 | $-21,700 | ||
| New York | $78,380 | $115,460 | $-37,080 | ||
| North Carolina | $69,070 | $83,220 | $-14,150 | ||
| North Dakota | $107,260 | $103,840 | +$3,420 | ||
| Ohio | $55,740 | $91,600 | $-35,860 | ||
| Oklahoma | $79,050 | $75,920 | +$3,130 | ||
| Oregon | $91,300 | $100,370 | $-9,070 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $78,160 | $84,610 | $-6,450 | ||
| South Carolina | $76,990 | $75,520 | +$1,470 | ||
| Tennessee | $63,530 | $103,730 | $-40,200 | ||
| Texas | $88,510 | $100,050 | $-11,540 | ||
| Utah | $86,520 | $98,380 | $-11,860 | ||
| Virginia | $83,380 | $73,580 | +$9,800 | ||
| Washington | $100,480 | $118,590 | $-18,110 | ||
| West Virginia | $75,700 | $91,240 | $-15,540 | ||
| Wisconsin | $82,880 | $86,390 | $-3,510 | ||
| Wyoming | $84,650 | $94,990 | $-10,340 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Gas Plant Operators or Power Plant Operators?
On average across all states, a Power Plant Operators earns more than a Gas Plant Operators. The national median salary difference is $10,336 (12.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Gas Plant Operators earn more than a Power Plant Operators?
A Gas Plant Operators earns a higher median salary than a Power Plant Operators in 9 out of 41 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Power Plant Operators pays more in 32 states.
What is the median salary for a Gas Plant Operators vs Power Plant Operators?
The national median salary for a Gas Plant Operators is $83,507 per year, compared to $93,843 for a Power Plant Operators, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Gas Plant Operators or Power Plant Operators?
There are more people employed as Power Plant Operators. BLS reports approximately 14,960 Gas Plant Operators positions and 31,460 Power Plant Operators positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Gas Plant Operators or Power Plant Operators?
Both Gas Plant Operators 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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