Gas Plant Operator Salary in Iowa (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Gas Plant Operators in Iowa, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Iowa Median
$92,970
per year
Hourly Rate
$44.70
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+6% vs US median
US median $87,820
State Rank
#20 of 43
480 employed here

How much does a Gas Plant Operator make in Iowa?

A Gas Plant Operator working in Iowa earns a median salary of $92,970 per year, or about $44.70 per hour. That is 6% above the national median of $87,820 for this occupation.

Within Iowa, entry-level pay starts around $59,840 while the top 10% make $100,480 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $82,510 and $96,800 a year.

Gas Plant Operator salary range in Iowa

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$59,840$28.77
25th percentile (early career)$82,510$39.67
50th percentile (median)$92,970$44.70
75th percentile (experienced)$96,800$46.54
90th percentile (top earners)$100,480$48.31

How Iowa compares

Iowa ranks 20th out of 43 states and territories for Gas Plant Operator pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1California$130,220
2New Jersey$110,900
3Oregon$109,760
4Connecticut$109,060
5Louisiana$108,350

Working as a Gas Plant Operator in Iowa

Nationally, about 18,000 people work as Gas Plant Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Iowa pay ($92,970) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Gas Plant Operator make in Iowa?
The median Gas Plant Operator salary in Iowa is $92,970 per year, or about $44.70 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $59,840 at the entry level to $100,480 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Iowa pay compare to the national average?
Iowa pays Gas Plant Operators about 6% more than the national median of $87,820. Iowa ranks 20th out of 43 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Iowa a good state for Gas Plant Operators?
Yes on pay — Iowa pays above the national median for this occupation, at $92,970 a year. About 480 Gas Plant Operators are employed in Iowa. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Iowa?
The highest-paying occupations in Iowa include Emergency Medicine Physician ($429,050), Dermatologist ($424,970), Radiologist ($405,220), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Gas Plant Operator salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.