Power Plant Operator Salary in Missouri (2026)

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

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Missouri Median
$101,900
per year
Hourly Rate
$48.99
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+-0% vs US median
US median $102,040
State Rank
#26 of 49
state estimate

How much does a Power Plant Operator make in Missouri?

Power Plant Operators in Missouri take home a median of $101,900 annually — roughly $48.99 an hour — which runs 0% above the national median of $102,040.

Within Missouri, entry-level pay starts around $60,120 while the top 10% make $128,430 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $74,920 and $110,420 a year.

Power Plant Operator salary range in Missouri

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$60,120$28.90
25th percentile (early career)$74,920$36.02
50th percentile (median)$101,900$48.99
75th percentile (experienced)$110,420$53.09
90th percentile (top earners)$128,430$61.75

How Missouri compares

Missouri ranks 26th out of 49 states and territories for Power Plant Operator pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$131,620
2Nevada$131,400
3New Jersey$131,370
4Idaho$124,440
5North Dakota$122,160

Working as a Power Plant Operator in Missouri

Nationally, about 29,000 people work as Power Plant Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Missouri pay ($101,900) 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 Power Plant Operator make in Missouri?
The median Power Plant Operator salary in Missouri is $101,900 per year, or about $48.99 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $60,120 at the entry level to $128,430 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Missouri pay compare to the national average?
Missouri pays Power Plant Operators about 0% more than the national median of $102,040. Missouri ranks 26th out of 49 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Missouri a good state for Power Plant Operators?
Yes on pay — Missouri pays above the national median for this occupation, at $101,900 a year. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Missouri?
The highest-paying occupations in Missouri include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($842,800), Cardiologist ($648,070), Emergency Medicine Physician ($456,280), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Power 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.