Power Plant Operators Salary in Pennsylvania

Power plant operators in Pennsylvania earn the most in Philadelphia (average $103,780 a year) and the least in Pittsburgh ($94,570), across the 2 Pennsylvania metro areas we cover. Statewide, BLS puts the power plant operators average at $96,280 and the median at $95,800 for 1,010 workers. The U.S. average for this job is $99,790.

Power Plant Operators average salary by city in Pennsylvania

Philadelphia$103,780
Pittsburgh$94,570

Pay, take-home pay and cost of living

City	Average	Median	25th pct.	Take-home*	Cost of living
Philadelphia	$103,780	$101,350	$92,890	$78,653	103
Pittsburgh	$94,570	$93,870	$83,210	$72,457	95

*Average salary after federal and state taxes for a single filer; local earned income taxes (for example Philadelphia's wage tax) are not included. 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 Pennsylvania

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.

Read the full methodology. Spotted an error? Tell us.