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Apprentice Power Plant Operator Salary in the United States

How much does an Apprentice Power Plant Operator make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Apprentice Power Plant Operator in the United States is $73,711 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, an Apprentice Power Plant Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $94,654
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $65,502 to $84,674
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $58,028
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Apprentice Power Plant Operator Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Apprentice Power Plant Operator Salaries

An Apprentice Power Plant Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Apprentice Power Plant Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Apprentice Power Plant Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $71,427
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $83,084
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $93,310
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $108,020
  • Expert (over 8 years): $124,712
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Apprentice Power Plant Operator less than 1 year $71,427
Power Plant Operator II 1-2 years $83,084
Power Plant Operator III 2-4 years $93,310
Power Plant Operator IV 5-8 years $108,020
Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I over 8 years $124,712

How Do Apprentice Power Plant Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Apprentice Power Plant Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $81,613.
  • California: $81,303.
  • Massachusetts: $80,220.

Top Paying Cities for Apprentice Power Plant Operator

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $92,972
  • San Francisco: $91,954
  • Oakland: $90,016

Apprentice Power Plant Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Apprentice Power Plant Operator roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Energy & Utilities, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Apprentice Power Plant Operator positions in MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Apprentice Power Plant Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Apprentice Power Plant Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities $95,824 $46.0 30%

Apprentice Power Plant Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Apprentice Power Plant Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$65,502
Average $73,711/year
$84,674
$5,458
Average $6,143/month
$7,056
$1,260
Average $1,418/week
$1,628
$31
Average $35/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $84,674 $7,056 $1,628 $41
Average $73,711 $6,143 $1,418 $35
25th Percentile $65,502 $5,458 $1,260 $31

Most common benefits for Apprentice Power Plant Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Apprentice Power Plant Operator

Here are companies hiring for Apprentice Power Plant Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Apprentice Power Plant Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Apprentice Power Plant Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Apprentice Power Plant Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Apprentice Power Plant Operator?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Apprentice Power Plant Operator roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

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