📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Power Plant Operator Salary in Virginia (2026)

Virginia · 10.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$92,708
per year
Median
$88,308
per year
Hourly
$44.57
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$62,403
25th Percentile — Junior$77,583
50th Percentile — Median$88,308
75th Percentile — Senior$111,738
90th Percentile — Top Earners$123,747
💡 Top-earning Power Plant Operators in Virginia make up to $123,747 per year. The job market in Virginia is rated very strong, with key industries including Government, Technology, Defense.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$84.0k
2021
$85.6k
2022
$87.4k
2023
$89.1k
2024
$90.9k
2025
$92.7k
2026
📈 Power Plant Operator salaries in Virginia have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong presence in Virginia's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Power Plant Operator Salary by City in Virginia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Virginia Beach $97,343 +5.0% Medium
Richmond $94,562 +2.0% Medium
🔍
Power Plant Operator Job Market in Virginia
Key factors affecting compensation

Virginia is home to a very strong job market for Power Plant Operators. The state's key industries — Government, Technology, Defense — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $92,708 per year, Virginia's Power Plant Operator salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Virginia (index: 1.1) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Virginia can expect to earn $62,403–$77,583, while experienced Power Plant Operators can command $111,738–$123,747.

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

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Power Plant Operator salary in Virginia is $92,708 per year in 2026, which is 10.0% above the national average of $84,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Power Plant Operators the highest wages in Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Virginia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Technology, Defense. This makes it one of the better states for Power Plant Operator employment.
  • At $92,708/year, Virginia Power Plant Operator salaries are 10.0% higher than the national average of $84,280/year.