National Salary Overview
VS
Power Plant Operators earns $35,841 more (54.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$101,174
$65,332
Average (Mean) Salary
$99,621
$65,923
Total Employment
28,530
56,900
States with Higher Pay
42
2
Salary by State: Power Plant Operators vs Tool and Die Makers
Showing 44 states where both occupations have BLS data. Power Plant Operators pays more in 42 states; Tool and Die Makers pays more in 2.
| State | Power Plant Operators | Tool and Die Makers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $107,080 | $64,800 | +$42,280 | ||
| Arizona | $84,970 | $59,140 | +$25,830 | ||
| Arkansas | $97,760 | $56,840 | +$40,920 | ||
| California | $105,210 | $77,030 | +$28,180 | ||
| Colorado | $102,780 | $63,800 | +$38,980 | ||
| Connecticut | $97,460 | $77,540 | +$19,920 | ||
| Florida | $94,290 | $63,890 | +$30,400 | ||
| Georgia | $107,580 | $60,020 | +$47,560 | ||
| Idaho | $124,440 | $57,800 | +$66,640 | ||
| Illinois | $104,440 | $61,170 | +$43,270 | ||
| Indiana | $107,000 | $68,050 | +$38,950 | ||
| Iowa | $100,500 | $65,000 | +$35,500 | ||
| Kansas | $79,980 | $83,890 | $-3,910 | ||
| Kentucky | $93,400 | $66,570 | +$26,830 | ||
| Louisiana | $101,170 | $46,950 | +$54,220 | ||
| Maine | $81,060 | $79,910 | +$1,150 | ||
| Maryland | $111,260 | $58,110 | +$53,150 | ||
| Massachusetts | $100,140 | $67,230 | +$32,910 | ||
| Michigan | $105,820 | $65,590 | +$40,230 | ||
| Minnesota | $94,390 | $71,020 | +$23,370 | ||
| Mississippi | $102,400 | $57,980 | +$44,420 | ||
| Missouri | $101,900 | $60,810 | +$41,090 | ||
| Nebraska | $98,210 | $69,150 | +$29,060 | ||
| Nevada | $131,400 | $61,350 | +$70,050 | ||
| New Hampshire | $81,070 | $69,910 | +$11,160 | ||
| New Jersey | $131,370 | $74,460 | +$56,910 | ||
| New Mexico | $105,510 | $47,960 | +$57,550 | ||
| New York | $106,990 | $68,080 | +$38,910 | ||
| North Carolina | $108,300 | $61,060 | +$47,240 | ||
| North Dakota | $122,160 | $73,130 | +$49,030 | ||
| Ohio | $104,160 | $62,280 | +$41,880 | ||
| Oklahoma | $88,590 | $65,870 | +$22,720 | ||
| Oregon | $109,830 | $73,930 | +$35,900 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $95,800 | $61,160 | +$34,640 | ||
| Rhode Island | $98,050 | $63,430 | +$34,620 | ||
| South Carolina | $79,900 | $65,250 | +$14,650 | ||
| Tennessee | $115,920 | $60,760 | +$55,160 | ||
| Texas | $102,510 | $55,470 | +$47,040 | ||
| Utah | $107,120 | $56,740 | +$50,380 | ||
| Vermont | $78,240 | $69,300 | +$8,940 | ||
| Virginia | $73,640 | $64,050 | +$9,590 | ||
| Washington | $131,620 | $109,390 | +$22,230 | ||
| West Virginia | $97,210 | $46,190 | +$51,020 | ||
| Wisconsin | $66,080 | $68,120 | $-2,040 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Power Plant Operators vs Tool and Die Makers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Power Plant Operators or Tool and Die Makers?
On average across all states, a Power Plant Operators earns more than a Tool and Die Makers. The national median salary difference is $35,841 (54.9%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Power Plant Operators earn more than a Tool and Die Makers?
A Power Plant Operators earns a higher median salary than a Tool and Die Makers in 42 out of 44 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Tool and Die Makers pays more in 2 states.
What is the median salary for a Power Plant Operators vs Tool and Die Makers?
The national median salary for a Power Plant Operators is $101,174 per year, compared to $65,332 for a Tool and Die Makers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Power Plant Operators or Tool and Die Makers?
There are more people employed as Tool and Die Makers. BLS reports approximately 28,530 Power Plant Operators positions and 56,900 Tool and Die Makers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Power Plant Operators or Tool and Die Makers?
Both Power Plant Operators and Tool and Die Makers 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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