Power Plant Operators Salary in California
Power Plant Operators in California earn a median of $105,210 a year, +3% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $105,210
- vs. U.S. median
- +3% ($102,040)
- Rank among states
- 19 of 49
- Jobs in the state
- 2,610
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $63,510; the top 10% earn over $171,800. Nationally the range is $61,790 to $131,940.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Biomass Plant Technicians$105,210 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Wellhead Pumpers$64,430 median in California
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$90,650 median in California
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$103,250 median in California
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$45,890 median in California
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians$105,210 median in California (broader BLS group)
Power Plant Operators pay in California
How much do power plant operators make in California?
The median is $105,210 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $63,510 and the top 10% earn over $171,800. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for power plant operators?
On pay alone it ranks 19 of 49 (+3% vs. the national median of $102,040). Living costs are not included.