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Average Power Plant Operators Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA

The average salary for a Power Plant Operators in Longview-Kelso, WA is $98,690. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Longview-Kelso, WA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 6.91x higher than average.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $98,690 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $131,020.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Power Plant Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 60 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Longview-Kelso, WA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$98,690

The average Power Plant Operators in Longview-Kelso, WA earns+1.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$47.5

Weekly

$1,898

Monthly

$8,224

Power Plant Operators Salary Distribution in Longview-Kelso, WA

The earning potential for Power Plant Operatorss in Longview-Kelso, WA varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $81,570, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $131,020.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$81,570$39.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$74,018$35.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$95,500$45.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$123,363$59.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$131,020$63

Detailed Power Plant Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$98,690

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$98,690

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Longview-Kelso, WA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $98,690 to $98,690.

Job Market Context

60

Total Jobs

1.376

Per 1K Jobs

6.91

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Longview-Kelso, WA has 6.9x the national concentration of Power Plant Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

60 people work as Power Plant Operators in Longview-Kelso, WA.

1.376 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Power Plant Operators positions — a typical concentration.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Power Plant Operators

Comparing salaries near Longview-Kelso, WA

Hiring Power Plant Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Power Plant Operators make in Longview-Kelso, WA?

The median annual salary for a Power Plant Operators in Longview-Kelso, WA is $98,690. This typically ranges from $81,570 for entry-level positions to $131,020 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Longview-Kelso, WA is 1.0% higher than the national median of $97,730.

Is Longview-Kelso, WA a good place for Power Plant Operatorss?

Yes, Longview-Kelso, WA is an excellent location for Power Plant Operatorss. It offers both higher-than-average salaries ($98,690) and a high concentration of job opportunities. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Longview-Kelso, WA a good place to live for Power Plant Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Longview-Kelso, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Longview-Kelso, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($124,930) and others.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 60 employees in the Longview-Kelso, WA area with a job density of 1.376 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.