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Power Plant Operators Salary in Washington

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Power Plant Operators make in Washington?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$131,620
Median Annual Salary
▲ +6.1% vs 2024
$128,230
Mean Salary
$131,620
Median Salary
$63.28
Hourly Rate
430 people work as Power Plant Operators in Washington

Power Plant Operators salary by percentile in Washington

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

Power Plant Operators salary in Washington — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Power Plant Operators in Washington.10thBottom 10% earn less than $85,390$85,39025th25% earn less than $102,440$102,440MedianHalf earn more than $131,620$131,62075th75% earn less than $152,110$152,11090thTop 10% earn more than $168,610$168,610

Power Plant Operators in Washington earn a median salary of $131,620 per year ($10,968/month). This is 30.1% above the national average of $101,174. Washington ranks #1 out of 49 states for Power Plant Operators pay. Approximately 430 people work in this occupation across Washington. Salaries increased by 6.1% 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 Washington

Salaries for Power Plant Operators in Washington range from $85,390 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $168,610 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $102,440 and $152,110.

Median $131,620
P10: $85,390 P25: $102,440 P75: $152,110 P90: $168,610
10th
$85,390
25th
$102,440
Median
$131,620
75th
$152,110
90th
$168,610
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $85,390 $41.05 $7,115
25th Percentile $102,440 $49.25 $8,536
Median (50th) $131,620 $63.28 $10,968
75th Percentile $152,110 $73.13 $12,675
90th Percentile (Experienced) $168,610 $81.06 $14,050

Note: The mean (average) salary of $128,230 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
Washington ranks #1 of 49 states
$101,174
National avg. for Power Plant Operators
+30.1%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

Explore Power Plant Operators Data in Washington

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 Washington?
The median annual salary for Power Plant Operators in Washington is $131,620 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $128,230.
What is the salary range for a Power Plant Operators in Washington?
Salaries for Power Plant Operators in Washington range from $85,390 at the 10th percentile to $168,610 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $102,440 and $152,110.
What is the starting salary for a Power Plant Operators in Washington?
Entry-level Power Plant Operators positions in Washington typically start around $85,390 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $102,440 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Power Plant Operators in Washington?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 430 people are employed as Power Plant Operators in Washington.
What is the hourly rate for a Power Plant Operators in Washington?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Power Plant Operators in Washington is approximately $63.28 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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