Shigoto Zukan
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How to become power plant operatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$102,040
25th–75th pct. $79,690–$119,080
Top pay (est.)
$171,500
Top 10% $131,940
Pay in 5 years
$116,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$132,000est.
$113,500–$153,200
Outlook score
45/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
42%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−5.1%
2,300 openings / yr

How to become power plant operators

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Power Plant Operators

Key skills

Operation and Control
4.0
Operations Monitoring
4.0
Critical Thinking
3.8
Judgment and Decision Making
3.1
Repairing
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.1
Troubleshooting
3.1
Quality Control Analysis
3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.8
Chemistry
3.8
English Language
3.5
Production and Processing
3.5
Public Safety and Security
3.5
Physics
3.4
Education and Training
3.4
Engineering and Technology
2.8

What the work involves

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentControlling Machines and ProcessesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsHandling and Moving ObjectsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesThinking Creatively

Important abilities

Near VisionPerceptual SpeedOral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityOral ExpressionDeductive Reasoning

Education of workers

High school diploma
60%
Associate's degree
14%
Bachelor's degree
13%
Post-secondary certificate
8%
Less than high school
3%
Some college
2%

Training before entry

2–4 years
37%
3–6 months
16%
6–12 months
8%
None / short demo
2%
1–3 months
2%
Up to 1 month
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
47%
1–2 years
22%
4–6 years
13%
6–12 months
9%
None
4%
Over 10 years
3%
3–6 months
2%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as power plant operators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.