Power Plant Operators vs Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Power Plant Operators

Median Salary
$93,843
Average (Mean)
$91,033
Employed Nationwide
31,460
VS

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Median Salary
$67,614
Average (Mean)
$67,908
Employed Nationwide
33,790
Power Plant Operators earns $26,229 more (38.8%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $93,843 $67,614
Average (Mean) Salary $91,033 $67,908
Total Employment 31,460 33,790
States with Higher Pay 46 3

Salary by State: Power Plant Operators vs Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Showing 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. Power Plant Operators pays more in 46 states; Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators pays more in 3.

State Power Plant Operators Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Difference
Alabama $103,730
$50,550
+$53,180
Alaska $82,660
$90,810
$-8,150
Arizona $106,150
$63,130
+$43,020
Arkansas $84,450
$53,270
+$31,180
California $97,970
$58,120
+$39,850
Colorado $94,390
$74,400
+$19,990
Connecticut $87,690
$84,500
+$3,190
Delaware $102,070
$74,220
+$27,850
Florida $81,740
$68,420
+$13,320
Georgia $102,420
$64,530
+$37,890
Hawaii $108,570
$96,480
+$12,090
Idaho $104,690
$59,540
+$45,150
Illinois $103,830
$106,790
$-2,960
Indiana $95,680
$65,500
+$30,180
Iowa $83,670
$62,080
+$21,590
Kansas $84,960
$59,220
+$25,740
Kentucky $82,810
$67,310
+$15,500
Louisiana $84,710
$47,830
+$36,880
Maine $75,990
$58,640
+$17,350
Maryland $100,550
$79,890
+$20,660
Massachusetts $96,880
$73,140
+$23,740
Michigan $98,920
$77,230
+$21,690
Minnesota $90,540
$68,750
+$21,790
Mississippi $95,120
$56,470
+$38,650
Missouri $96,490
$62,040
+$34,450
Montana $100,290
$71,350
+$28,940
Nebraska $100,920
$59,890
+$41,030
Nevada $77,890
$77,420
+$470
New Hampshire $76,530
$64,790
+$11,740
New Jersey $107,620
$69,150
+$38,470
New Mexico $99,920
$58,430
+$41,490
New York $115,460
$85,490
+$29,970
North Carolina $83,220
$55,500
+$27,720
North Dakota $103,840
$64,670
+$39,170
Ohio $91,600
$65,040
+$26,560
Oklahoma $75,920
$62,960
+$12,960
Oregon $100,370
$60,690
+$39,680
Pennsylvania $84,610
$68,570
+$16,040
Rhode Island $98,140
$62,130
+$36,010
South Carolina $75,520
$52,120
+$23,400
South Dakota $104,320
$63,390
+$40,930
Tennessee $103,730
$62,420
+$41,310
Texas $100,050
$56,250
+$43,800
Utah $98,380
$66,270
+$32,110
Virginia $73,580
$55,230
+$18,350
Washington $118,590
$81,760
+$36,830
West Virginia $91,240
$49,500
+$41,740
Wisconsin $86,390
$58,140
+$28,250
Wyoming $94,990
$103,220
$-8,230

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Power Plant Operators or Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
On average across all states, a Power Plant Operators earns more than a Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators. The national median salary difference is $26,229 (38.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Power Plant Operators earn more than a Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
A Power Plant Operators earns a higher median salary than a Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators in 46 out of 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Power Plant Operators vs Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
The national median salary for a Power Plant Operators is $93,843 per year, compared to $67,614 for a Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Power Plant Operators or Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
There are more people employed as Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators. BLS reports approximately 31,460 Power Plant Operators positions and 33,790 Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Power Plant Operators or Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
Both Power Plant Operators and Stationary Engineers and Boiler 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.