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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

National Salary Overview

Power Plant Operators

Median Salary
$101,174
Average (Mean)
$99,621
Employed Nationwide
28,530
VS

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Median Salary
$73,917
Average (Mean)
$74,591
Employed Nationwide
28,260
Power Plant Operators earns $27,256 more (36.9%)
Power Plant Operators vs Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators national median (BLS 2025)Ranked horizontal bars comparing 2 entries.Power Plant OperatorsPower Plant OperatorsPower Plant Operators: $101,174$101,174Stationary Engineers and Boiler OperatorsStationary Engineers and Boi…Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators: $73,917$73,917

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $101,174 $73,917
Average (Mean) Salary $99,621 $74,591
Total Employment 28,530 28,260
States with Higher Pay 47 2

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 47 states; Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators pays more in 2.

State Power Plant Operators Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Difference
Alabama $107,080
$53,470
+$53,610
Alaska $88,870
$88,330
+$540
Arizona $84,970
$75,410
+$9,560
Arkansas $97,760
$58,000
+$39,760
California $105,210
$90,650
+$14,560
Colorado $102,780
$81,310
+$21,470
Connecticut $97,460
$94,870
+$2,590
Delaware $103,010
$77,630
+$25,380
Florida $94,290
$65,040
+$29,250
Georgia $107,580
$70,640
+$36,940
Hawaii $121,700
$103,400
+$18,300
Idaho $124,440
$64,460
+$59,980
Illinois $104,440
$115,780
$-11,340
Indiana $107,000
$67,560
+$39,440
Iowa $100,500
$67,450
+$33,050
Kansas $79,980
$64,490
+$15,490
Kentucky $93,400
$66,770
+$26,630
Louisiana $101,170
$47,750
+$53,420
Maine $81,060
$62,910
+$18,150
Maryland $111,260
$85,240
+$26,020
Massachusetts $100,140
$80,800
+$19,340
Michigan $105,820
$82,800
+$23,020
Minnesota $94,390
$75,850
+$18,540
Mississippi $102,400
$53,640
+$48,760
Missouri $101,900
$72,620
+$29,280
Montana $106,040
$77,690
+$28,350
Nebraska $98,210
$64,930
+$33,280
Nevada $131,400
$79,110
+$52,290
New Hampshire $81,070
$66,180
+$14,890
New Jersey $131,370
$76,560
+$54,810
New Mexico $105,510
$74,480
+$31,030
New York $106,990
$94,070
+$12,920
North Carolina $108,300
$60,860
+$47,440
North Dakota $122,160
$66,760
+$55,400
Ohio $104,160
$75,470
+$28,690
Oklahoma $88,590
$68,450
+$20,140
Oregon $109,830
$67,630
+$42,200
Pennsylvania $95,800
$72,900
+$22,900
Rhode Island $98,050
$63,330
+$34,720
South Carolina $79,900
$72,650
+$7,250
Tennessee $115,920
$72,470
+$43,450
Texas $102,510
$63,810
+$38,700
Utah $107,120
$76,490
+$30,630
Vermont $78,240
$68,400
+$9,840
Virginia $73,640
$64,150
+$9,490
Washington $131,620
$91,530
+$40,090
West Virginia $97,210
$53,340
+$43,870
Wisconsin $66,080
$61,170
+$4,910
Wyoming $99,200
$111,920
$-12,720

Explore This Comparison by State

Dive deeper — see how Power Plant Operators vs Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.

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 $27,256 (36.9%) based on 2025 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 47 out of 49 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators pays more in 2 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 $101,174 per year, compared to $73,917 for a Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Power Plant Operators or Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
There are more people employed as Power Plant Operators. BLS reports approximately 28,530 Power Plant Operators positions and 28,260 Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators positions nationwide (2025).
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.

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