Power Plant Operators Salary in Illinois

Power plant operators in Illinois earn the most in Chicago (average $116,150 a year) and the least in Springfield ($101,380), across the 2 Illinois metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the power plant operators average at $103,620 and the median at $104,440 for 1,160 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $99,790.

Power Plant Operators average salary by city in Illinois

Chicago$116,150
Springfield$101,380

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Chicago	$116,150	$123,540	$107,600	$84,933	104
Springfield	$101,380	$102,130	$92,410	$75,274	93

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer. Cost of living: BEA price parity, U.S. = 100.

Power Plant Operators salary in other states

Power Plant Operators salary by city and state

More about pay in Illinois

Sources and how to read this page

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. SOC code 51-8013.
U.S. and statewide figures: BLS OEWS national and state estimates, May 2025, every employer including rural areas.
Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.

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