SalaryNode

Average Power Plant Operators Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Yes, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is a highly lucrative market for Power Plant Operatorss. With an average annual salary of $124,930, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $124,930 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $146,390.
  • 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$124,930

The average Power Plant Operators in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+27.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$60.1

Weekly

$2,403

Monthly

$10,411

Power Plant Operators Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

The earning potential for Power Plant Operatorss in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-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 $89,280, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $146,390.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$89,280$42.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$93,698$45
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$136,300$65.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$156,163$75.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$146,390$70.4

Detailed Power Plant Operators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$124,930

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$124,930

Adjusted for COL (100)

In Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $124,930 to $124,930.

Job Market Context

60

Total Jobs

0.047

Per 1K Jobs

0.23

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.23x, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has a notably lower concentration of Power Plant Operators jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

60 people work as Power Plant Operators in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA.

Only 0.047 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Power Plant Operators roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Power Plant Operators

CitySalaryDist.
Longview-Kelso, WA Power Plant Operators Salary$98,690 21%46 mi

Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Hiring Power Plant Operatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Power Plant Operators make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?

The median annual salary for a Power Plant Operators in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $124,930. This typically ranges from $89,280 for entry-level positions to $146,390 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 27.8% higher than the national median of $97,730.

Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place for Power Plant Operatorss?

Yes, Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is financially attractive for Power Plant Operatorss. The average salary of $124,930 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Power Plant Operators?

The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Longview-Kelso, WA ($98,690) 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 Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 0.047 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.