Power Plant Operators pay in Virginia
In Virginia, the median pay for power plant operators is $35.41 an hour ($73,640 a year). About 590 people work in this job there.
That is 28% lower than the U.S. median ($102,040). Virginia ranks 48th of 49 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for power plant operators in Virginia
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $22.69 | $47,190 |
| 25% of workers | $28.49 | $59,260 |
| Half of workers (median) | $35.41 | $73,640 |
| 75% of workers | $45.28 | $94,180 |
| 90% of workers | $49.41 | $102,770 |
Power Plant Operators pay in Virginia metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk | $66,500 | 110 |
| Richmond | $63,640 | 60 |
Virginia unemployment rate: 3.6% (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 Virginia
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | $47,910 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $59,420 |
| Industrial Production Managers | $128,230 |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | $63,000 |
Other job titles for this job
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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.