Power Plant Operators pay in Illinois
In Illinois, the median pay for power plant operators is $50.21 an hour ($104,440 a year). About 1,160 people work in this job there.
That is 2% higher than the U.S. median ($102,040). Illinois ranks 20th of 49 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for power plant operators in Illinois
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $37.18 | $77,330 |
| 25% of workers | $44.79 | $93,150 |
| Half of workers (median) | $50.21 | $104,440 |
| 75% of workers | $57.88 | $120,390 |
| 90% of workers | $61.56 | $128,040 |
Power Plant Operators pay in Illinois metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $123,540 | 640 |
| Springfield | $102,130 | 40 |
Illinois unemployment rate: 4.7% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for power plant operators
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 2 to 4 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Long-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: -5.1% over ten years, declining · about 2,300 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Illinois
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.