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Power Plant Operators Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Power Plant Operators make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$100,500
Median Annual Salary
▲ +1.6% vs 2024
$93,580
Mean Salary
$100,500
Median Salary
$48.32
Hourly Rate
470 people work as Power Plant Operators in Iowa

Power Plant Operators salary by percentile in Iowa

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Power Plant Operators salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Power Plant Operators in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $63,320$63,32025th25% earn less than $78,060$78,060MedianHalf earn more than $100,500$100,50075th75% earn less than $104,480$104,48090thTop 10% earn more than $109,690$109,690

Power Plant Operators in Iowa earn a median salary of $100,500 per year ($8,375/month). This is 0.7% below the national average of $101,174. Iowa ranks #28 out of 49 states for Power Plant Operators pay. Approximately 470 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries increased by 1.6% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Power Plant Operators in Iowa

Salaries for Power Plant Operators in Iowa range from $63,320 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $109,690 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $78,060 and $104,480.

Median $100,500
P10: $63,320 P25: $78,060 P75: $104,480 P90: $109,690
10th
$63,320
25th
$78,060
Median
$100,500
75th
$104,480
90th
$109,690
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $63,320 $30.44 $5,276
25th Percentile $78,060 $37.53 $6,505
Median (50th) $100,500 $48.32 $8,375
75th Percentile $104,480 $50.23 $8,706
90th Percentile (Experienced) $109,690 $52.74 $9,140

Note: The mean (average) salary of $93,580 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#28
Iowa ranks #28 of 49 states
$101,174
National avg. for Power Plant Operators
-0.7%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Power Plant Operators salary in Iowa adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Power Plant Operators take-home pay in Iowa after taxes →

Explore Power Plant Operators Data in Iowa

Power Plant Operators Salary by State

Compare Power Plant Operators pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Power Plant Operators make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Power Plant Operators in Iowa is $100,500 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $93,580.
What is the salary range for a Power Plant Operators in Iowa?
Salaries for Power Plant Operators in Iowa range from $63,320 at the 10th percentile to $109,690 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $78,060 and $104,480.
What is the starting salary for a Power Plant Operators in Iowa?
Entry-level Power Plant Operators positions in Iowa typically start around $63,320 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $78,060 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Power Plant Operators in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 470 people are employed as Power Plant Operators in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Power Plant Operators in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Power Plant Operators in Iowa is approximately $48.32 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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