📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Power Plant Operator Salary in North Carolina (2026)

North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$76,695
per year
Median
$73,055
per year
Hourly
$36.87
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$51,624
25th Percentile — Junior$64,182
50th Percentile — Median$73,055
75th Percentile — Senior$92,438
90th Percentile — Top Earners$102,373
💡 Top-earning Power Plant Operators in North Carolina make up to $102,373 per year. The job market in North Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Technology, Finance, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$69.5k
2021
$70.9k
2022
$72.3k
2023
$73.7k
2024
$75.2k
2025
$76.7k
2026
📈 Power Plant Operator salaries in North Carolina have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong presence in North Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Power Plant Operator Salary by City in North Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Charlotte $73,627 -4.0% Medium
Raleigh $75,161 -2.0% Medium
Greensboro $69,026 -10.0% Medium
Durham $74,394 -3.0% Medium
Winston-Salem $66,725 -13.0% Medium
🔍
Power Plant Operator Job Market in North Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Power Plant Operators. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $76,695 per year, North Carolina's Power Plant Operator salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $51,624–$64,182, while experienced Power Plant Operators can command $92,438–$102,373.

Looking ahead, the Power Plant Operator profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 2.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Power Plant Operator salary in North Carolina is $76,695 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $84,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Power Plant Operators the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Power Plant Operator employment.
  • At $76,695/year, North Carolina Power Plant Operator salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $84,280/year.