National Salary Overview
VS
Power Plant Operators earns $10,747 more (11.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$90,426
$101,174
Average (Mean) Salary
$88,880
$99,621
Total Employment
16,840
28,530
States with Higher Pay
11
31
Salary by State: Gas Plant Operators vs Power Plant Operators
Showing 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. Gas Plant Operators pays more in 11 states; Power Plant Operators pays more in 31.
| State | Gas Plant Operators | Power Plant Operators | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,120 | $107,080 | $-29,960 | ||
| Arizona | $104,600 | $84,970 | +$19,630 | ||
| Arkansas | $100,870 | $97,760 | +$3,110 | ||
| California | $130,220 | $105,210 | +$25,010 | ||
| Colorado | $98,080 | $102,780 | $-4,700 | ||
| Connecticut | $109,060 | $97,460 | +$11,600 | ||
| Florida | $67,170 | $94,290 | $-27,120 | ||
| Georgia | $81,220 | $107,580 | $-26,360 | ||
| Idaho | $79,280 | $124,440 | $-45,160 | ||
| Illinois | $97,810 | $104,440 | $-6,630 | ||
| Indiana | $85,790 | $107,000 | $-21,210 | ||
| Iowa | $92,970 | $100,500 | $-7,530 | ||
| Kansas | $80,760 | $79,980 | +$780 | ||
| Kentucky | $63,070 | $93,400 | $-30,330 | ||
| Louisiana | $108,350 | $101,170 | +$7,180 | ||
| Maine | $93,990 | $81,060 | +$12,930 | ||
| Maryland | $102,950 | $111,260 | $-8,310 | ||
| Massachusetts | $103,830 | $100,140 | +$3,690 | ||
| Michigan | $100,500 | $105,820 | $-5,320 | ||
| Minnesota | $100,500 | $94,390 | +$6,110 | ||
| Mississippi | $81,600 | $102,400 | $-20,800 | ||
| Missouri | $87,820 | $101,900 | $-14,080 | ||
| Montana | $83,630 | $106,040 | $-22,410 | ||
| Nebraska | $87,790 | $98,210 | $-10,420 | ||
| New Jersey | $110,900 | $131,370 | $-20,470 | ||
| New Mexico | $97,660 | $105,510 | $-7,850 | ||
| New York | $98,390 | $106,990 | $-8,600 | ||
| North Carolina | $81,460 | $108,300 | $-26,840 | ||
| North Dakota | $96,760 | $122,160 | $-25,400 | ||
| Ohio | $82,130 | $104,160 | $-22,030 | ||
| Oklahoma | $78,310 | $88,590 | $-10,280 | ||
| Oregon | $109,760 | $109,830 | $-70 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $80,810 | $95,800 | $-14,990 | ||
| South Carolina | $67,580 | $79,900 | $-12,320 | ||
| Tennessee | $66,560 | $115,920 | $-49,360 | ||
| Texas | $79,910 | $102,510 | $-22,600 | ||
| Utah | $98,300 | $107,120 | $-8,820 | ||
| Virginia | $86,500 | $73,640 | +$12,860 | ||
| Washington | $83,650 | $131,620 | $-47,970 | ||
| West Virginia | $82,600 | $97,210 | $-14,610 | ||
| Wisconsin | $85,080 | $66,080 | +$19,000 | ||
| Wyoming | $81,550 | $99,200 | $-17,650 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Gas Plant Operators vs Power Plant Operators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $10,747 (11.9%) based on 2025 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 11 out of 42 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Power Plant Operators pays more in 31 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 $90,426 per year, compared to $101,174 for a Power Plant Operators, according to 2025 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 16,840 Gas Plant Operators positions and 28,530 Power Plant Operators positions nationwide (2025).
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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