📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Power Plant Operator Salary in West Virginia (2026)

West Virginia · 22.0% below national average · Medium Demand

Average
$65,738
per year
Median
$62,618
per year
Hourly
$31.6
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$44,249
25th Percentile — Junior$55,013
50th Percentile — Median$62,618
75th Percentile — Senior$79,232
90th Percentile — Top Earners$87,748
💡 Top-earning Power Plant Operators in West Virginia make up to $87,748 per year. The job market in West Virginia is rated low, with key industries including Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$59.5k
2021
$60.7k
2022
$61.9k
2023
$63.2k
2024
$64.4k
2025
$65.7k
2026
📈 Power Plant Operator salaries in West Virginia have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong presence in West Virginia's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Power Plant Operator Salary by City in West Virginia
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $65,738 +0% Medium
🔍
Power Plant Operator Job Market in West Virginia
Key factors affecting compensation

West Virginia is home to a low job market for Power Plant Operators. The state's key industries — Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $65,738 per year, West Virginia's Power Plant Operator salaries are 22.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in West Virginia (index: 0.78) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in West Virginia can expect to earn $44,249–$55,013, while experienced Power Plant Operators can command $79,232–$87,748.

Looking ahead, the Power Plant Operator profession in West Virginia is projected to grow at 2.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Energy 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 West Virginia is $65,738 per year in 2026, which is 22.0% below the national average of $84,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Power Plant Operators the highest wages in West Virginia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • West Virginia has a low job market with major industries in Energy, Healthcare, Manufacturing. Opportunities exist in for Power Plant Operator employment.
  • At $65,738/year, West Virginia Power Plant Operator salaries are 22.0% lower than the national average of $84,280/year.