Q: Do plant operators make good money?

No, plant operators do not make good money. The average plant operator earns $38,000 a year, with the top earners averaging between $60,000 and $80,000 a year. There are some companies and industries that pay plant operators better than others. A Marathon petroleum plant operator, for example, averages $80,084 a year (range: $43K - $91K), which is 71% higher than the national average.

Q: Is being a plant operator a good career?

Yes, being a plant operator is a good career. For the number of educational credentials required to work as a plant operator, this is a well-paying position. Not to mention, a plant operator plays a pivotal role across many key industries such as power, water, and manufacturing plants.

Question 1

How long does a plant operator course take?

Accepted Answer

A plant operator course takes anywhere between 8.5 hours up to two years. It largely depends on the program and whether your state or industry requires additional certifications. For example, a nuclear or power plant operator may require additional certifications on equipment training and safety.

Question 2

Do plant operators make good money?

Accepted Answer

No, plant operators do not make good money. The average plant operator earns $38,000 a year, with the top earners averaging between $60,000 and $80,000 a year.

There are some companies and industries that pay plant operators better than others. A Marathon petroleum plant operator, for example, averages $80,084 a year (range: $43K - $91K), which is 71% higher than the national average.

Question 3

How much do operators at plants make?

Accepted Answer

Operators at plants make $38,000 a year, on average ($18.47 an hour). However, there is some variability in how much a plant operator can make, starting from as low as $27,000 a year to as high as $83,000 a year. Factors such as the location and industry impact how much an operator at a plant can make.

Question 4

Is being a plant operator a good career?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a plant operator is a good career. For the number of educational credentials required to work as a plant operator, this is a well-paying position. Not to mention, a plant operator plays a pivotal role across many key industries such as power, water, and manufacturing plants.

Frequently asked questions about plant operators

Questions about plant operator salaries

How long does a plant operator course take?

Questions about plant operator jobs

Do plant operators make good money?

How much do operators at plants make?

Is being a plant operator a good career?