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Power Plant Operators Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Power Plant Operators make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$105,210
Median Annual Salary
▼
-0.3% vs 2024
$110,960
Mean Salary
$105,210
Median Salary
$50.58
Hourly Rate
2,610 people work as Power Plant Operators in California
Power Plant Operators salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Power Plant Operators in California earn a median salary of $105,210 per year ($8,767/month).
This is 4.0% above the national average of $101,174.
California ranks #19 out of 49 states for Power Plant Operators pay.
Approximately 2,610 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 0.3% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Power Plant Operators
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Top Skills
Operations Monitoring
4.0
Critical Thinking
3.88
Operation and Control
3.88
Speaking
3.5
Monitoring
3.5
Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
4.32
Mathematics
3.95
Public Safety and Security
3.78
Chemistry
3.44
Engineering and Technology
3.42
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(73.7% of workers)
Salaries for Power Plant Operators in California range from $63,510 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $171,800 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $80,270 and $132,600.
How much do Power Plant Operators make in California?
The median annual salary for Power Plant Operators in California is $105,210 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $110,960.
What is the salary range for a Power Plant Operators in California?
Salaries for Power Plant Operators in California range from $63,510 at the 10th percentile to $171,800 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $80,270 and $132,600.
What is the starting salary for a Power Plant Operators in California?
Entry-level Power Plant Operators positions in California typically start around $63,510 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $80,270 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Power Plant Operators in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,610 people are employed as Power Plant Operators in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Power Plant Operators in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Power Plant Operators in California is approximately $50.58 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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