Power Plant Operators Salary in Illinois
Power Plant Operators in Illinois earn a median of $104,440 a year, +2% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $104,440
- vs. U.S. median
- +2% ($102,040)
- Rank among states
- 20 of 49
- Jobs in the state
- 1,160
Pay range in Illinois
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $77,330; the top 10% earn over $128,040. Nationally the range is $61,790 to $131,940.
States ranked near Illinois
Similar jobs in Illinois
- Biomass Plant Technicians$104,440 median in Illinois (broader BLS group)
- Wellhead Pumpers$51,440 median in Illinois
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$115,780 median in Illinois
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers$102,890 median in Illinois
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$46,180 median in Illinois
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians$104,440 median in Illinois (broader BLS group)
Power Plant Operators pay in Illinois
How much do power plant operators make in Illinois?
The median is $104,440 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $77,330 and the top 10% earn over $128,040. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is Illinois a good state for power plant operators?
On pay alone it ranks 20 of 49 (+2% vs. the national median of $102,040). Living costs are not included.