There are currently an estimated 36,100 power plant operators in the United States. The power plant operator job market is expected to grow by 1.1% between 2016 and 2026.
How employable are power plant operators?
CareerExplorer rates power plant operators with a F employability rating, meaning this career should provide poor employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 6,500 power plant operators. That number is based on 400 additional power plant operators, and the retirement of 6,100 existing power plant operators.
What’s the supply of power plant operators?
The power plant operator industry is concentrated in California, Texas, Florida
Power Plant Operator job market by state
| State Name | Employed Power Plant Operators |
|---|---|
| California | 3,210 |
| Texas | 2,880 |
| Florida | 1,820 |
| New York | 1,820 |
| Michigan | 1,720 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,320 |
| Ohio | 1,240 |
| Illinois | 1,180 |
| Missouri | 1,130 |
| North Carolina | 1,000 |
| Georgia | 860 |
| Massachusetts | 860 |
| Minnesota | 810 |
| Wisconsin | 740 |
| Alabama | 700 |
| Indiana | 680 |
| Colorado | 680 |
| Kentucky | 640 |
| Virginia | 590 |
| New Jersey | 570 |
| Kansas | 570 |
| West Virginia | 570 |
| Tennessee | 550 |
| Nevada | 510 |
| Alaska | 490 |
| Arizona | 470 |
| Maryland | 470 |
| Louisiana | 450 |
| Mississippi | 420 |
| Oklahoma | 410 |
| Washington | 410 |
| Nebraska | 390 |
| Utah | 380 |
| North Dakota | 370 |
| Iowa | 330 |
| South Carolina | 330 |
| Montana | 310 |
| Wyoming | 310 |
| Oregon | 250 |
| Idaho | 250 |
| Connecticut | 240 |
| Hawaii | 240 |
| Maine | 220 |
| New Mexico | 200 |
| New Hampshire | 180 |
| Arkansas | 160 |
| Vermont | 90 |