Power Plant Operators pay in Kentucky

In Kentucky, the median pay for power plant operators is $44.90 an hour ($93,400 a year). About 690 people work in this job there.

$44.90Median hourly pay
$84,900–$105,690Middle half of workers, yearly
690People in this job in Kentucky

That is 8% lower than the U.S. median ($102,040). Kentucky ranks 39th of 49 states and territories for this job’s median pay.

Pay range for power plant operators in Kentucky

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$32.13$66,830
25% of workers$40.82$84,900
Half of workers (median)$44.90$93,400
75% of workers$50.81$105,690
90% of workers$56.92$118,400

Power Plant Operators pay in Kentucky metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Louisville/Jefferson County$104,120120
Lexington-Fayette$84,15030

Kentucky 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 Kentucky

JobMedian yearly pay
Industrial Production Managers$112,250
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$45,430
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$51,310
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$78,670

Other job titles for this job

Plant TechnicianHydro OperatorAuxiliary OperatorControl OperatorControl Room OperatorMcoOperations and Maintenance TechnicianStation OperatorAuxiliary Power Equipment OperatorBatch Plant OperatorBooster OperatorBooster Plant Operator

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Source: 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.