Average Power Plant Operators Salary in Wichita, KS
The average salary for Power Plant Operatorss in Wichita, KS is $70,840. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Wichita, KS may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $70,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 58.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,000.
- Outlook: The current demand for Power Plant Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 70 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Wichita, KS economy.
Salary Overview
The average Power Plant Operators in Wichita, KS earns-27.5%below the national average.
$34.1
$1,362
$5,903
Power Plant Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Power Plant Operators salaries in Wichita, KS have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 58.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Power Plant Operators Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
The earning potential for Power Plant Operatorss in Wichita, KS varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.8x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $46,120, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $127,000.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $46,120 | $22.2 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $53,130 | $25.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $61,250 | $29.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $88,550 | $42.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $127,000 | $61.1 |
Detailed Power Plant Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$70,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$70,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Wichita, KS, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $70,840 to $70,840.
Job Market Context
70
Total Jobs
0.213
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Wichita, KS has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Power Plant Operators roles compared to the national norm.
70 people work as Power Plant Operators in Wichita, KS.
Only 0.213 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
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Power Plant Operators Salary | $67,160↓ 5% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
Hiring Power Plant Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Power Plant Operators make in Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Power Plant Operators in Wichita, KS is $70,840. This typically ranges from $46,120 for entry-level positions to $127,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 27.5% lower than the national median of $97,730.
Is Wichita, KS a good place for Power Plant Operatorss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Power Plant Operators salary in Wichita, KS is $70,840 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Wichita, KS. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Power Plant Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($67,160) 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 70 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 0.213 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Power Plant Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wichita, KS