Power Plant Workers

Salaries for workers in the utilities industry are relatively high, but are based on skills and experience, geographical location, union status, and other factors.

Power plant operators earned a median salary of $97,010 in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The lowest paid 10 percent of workers earned $54,080 or less, while the highest paid 10 percent earned $123,120 or more annually. Half of power plant operators earned between $72,860 and $106,780.

Power distributors and dispatchers earned a median salary of $104,750 in 2023 with the lowest 10 percent earning $68,360 or less and the top 10 percent earning $138,950 or more.

Operators in nuclear power plants earned median salaries of $120,350 in 2023. The lowest 10 percent earned $92,270 or less and the top 10 percent earned $151,980 or more. Half of operators earned between $103,880 and $134,100.

In many cases, employee salaries are supplemented significantly by overtime pay. Overtime often becomes necessary during power outages and severe weather conditions.

Since power plants operate around the clock, employees work multiple shifts, which can last anywhere from four to 12 hours. In general workers on night shifts are paid higher salaries than workers on day shifts. In addition to their regular earnings, most workers receive benefits, such as paid vacation days, paid sick leave, health insurance, and pension plans.