Gas Plant Operator Salary in Tennessee (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Tennessee Median
$66,560
per year
Hourly Rate
$32.00
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-24% vs US median
US median $87,820
State Rank
#42 of 43
200 employed here

How much does a Gas Plant Operator make in Tennessee?

A Gas Plant Operator working in Tennessee earns a median salary of $66,560 per year, or about $32.00 per hour. That is 24% below the national median of $87,820 for this occupation.

Within Tennessee, entry-level pay starts around $58,920 while the top 10% make $95,260 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $64,980 and $69,670 a year.

Gas Plant Operator salary range in Tennessee

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$58,920$28.33
25th percentile (early career)$64,980$31.24
50th percentile (median)$66,560$32.00
75th percentile (experienced)$69,670$33.50
90th percentile (top earners)$95,260$45.80

How Tennessee compares

Tennessee ranks 42nd 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 Tennessee

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 Tennessee pay ($66,560) 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 Tennessee?
The median Gas Plant Operator salary in Tennessee is $66,560 per year, or about $32.00 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $58,920 at the entry level to $95,260 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Tennessee pay compare to the national average?
Tennessee pays Gas Plant Operators about 24% less than the national median of $87,820. Tennessee ranks 42nd out of 43 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Tennessee a good state for Gas Plant Operators?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $66,560 a year. About 200 Gas Plant Operators are employed in Tennessee. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Tennessee?
The highest-paying occupations in Tennessee include Cardiologist ($610,080), Dermatologist ($433,630), Surgeon, All Other ($373,510), 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.