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Apprentice Power Plant Operator Salary in California

How much does an Apprentice Power Plant Operator make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Apprentice Power Plant Operator in California is $81,303 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $104,404
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $72,248 to $93,395
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $64,005
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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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): $78,784
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $91,642
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $102,921
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $119,147
  • Expert (over 8 years): $137,557
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Apprentice Power Plant Operator less than 1 year $78,784
Power Plant Operator II 1-2 years $91,642
Power Plant Operator III 2-4 years $102,921
Power Plant Operator IV 5-8 years $119,147
Power Plant Operations Shift Supervisor I over 8 years $137,557

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:

  • Los Angeles: $81,443
  • West Hollywood: $81,384
  • Dodgertown: $81,443

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 $105,694 $51.0 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$72,248
Average $81,303/year
$93,395
$6,021
Average $6,775/month
$7,783
$1,389
Average $1,564/week
$1,796
$35
Average $39/hour
$45
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $93,395 $7,783 $1,796 $45
Average $81,303 $6,775 $1,564 $39
25th Percentile $72,248 $6,021 $1,389 $35

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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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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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