Wages for power plant operators vary by the area of specialization. Wages also vary by employer and area of the country. The operator's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages. Senior or chief operators usually earn about ten to 15 percent more than regular operators. In addition, over half of all power plant operators belong to a union. Union members tend to earn higher wages than non-union workers.
Full-time power plant operators usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.
Nuclear power reactor operators (SOC 51-8011)
Location
|
Pay Period |
|
25%
|
Median
|
75%
|
| Illinois |
Hourly |
(1) |
(1) |
(1) |
| Yearly |
(1) |
(1) |
(1) |
| United States |
Hourly |
$49.94 |
$57.86 |
$64.47 |
| Yearly |
$103,880 |
$120,350 |
$134,100 |
(1) Wage estimate isn't available.
Power distributors and dispatchers (SOC 51-8012)
Location
|
Pay Period |
|
25%
|
Median
|
75%
|
| Illinois |
Hourly |
$32.72 |
$36.86 |
$48.03 |
| Yearly |
$68,058 |
$76,668 |
$99,908 |
| Champaign Area |
Hourly |
$36.31 |
$48.03 |
$48.03 |
| Yearly |
$75,527 |
$99,908 |
$99,908 |
| Cook County |
Hourly |
$32.72 |
$38.95 |
$51.53 |
| Yearly |
$68,056 |
$81,032 |
$107,190 |
| United States |
Hourly |
$42.04 |
$50.36 |
$59.05 |
| Yearly |
$87,440 |
$104,750 |
$122,830 |
Power plant operators (SOC 51-8013)
Location
|
Pay Period |
|
25%
|
Median
|
75%
|
| Illinois |
Hourly |
$44.59 |
$50.81 |
$51.86 |
| Yearly |
$92,742 |
$105,684 |
$107,872 |
| Champaign Area |
Hourly |
$32.92 |
$39.84 |
$40.64 |
| Yearly |
$68,459 |
$82,869 |
$84,532 |
| Cook County |
Hourly |
$29.09 |
$41.89 |
$58.10 |
| Yearly |
$60,516 |
$87,139 |
$120,836 |
| Edwardsville Area |
Hourly |
$36.99 |
$48.35 |
$49.78 |
| Yearly |
$76,937 |
$100,574 |
$103,543 |
| Peoria-Bloomington Area |
Hourly |
$39.55 |
$48.35 |
$51.14 |
| Yearly |
$82,264 |
$100,557 |
$106,362 |
| Shawnee National Forest Area |
Hourly |
$32.49 |
$42.41 |
$46.91 |
| Yearly |
$67,586 |
$88,230 |
$97,570 |
| Springfield Area |
Hourly |
$47.25 |
$50.91 |
$54.40 |
| Yearly |
$98,273 |
$105,904 |
$113,162 |
| United States |
Hourly |
$35.03 |
$46.64 |
$51.34 |
| Yearly |
$72,860 |
$97,010 |
$106,780 |