Power Plant Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Power Plant Technology programs equip students with the technical expertise needed to support the safe, efficient, and reliable operation and maintenance of electricity generation facilities. This field integrates core engineering principles with hands-on training to prepare professionals for critical roles in modern energy infrastructure.
- Thermodynamics: Explores the fundamental laws governing energy transfer and conversion, essential for understanding how heat is transformed into mechanical and electrical power within power generation systems.
- Power Plant Theory: Provides a comprehensive overview of the design, function, and operational dynamics of various power plant types, including fossil fuel, nuclear, and renewable-integrated facilities.
- Turbines and Generators: Focuses on the mechanics and performance of rotating machinery, including steam and gas turbines, and their integration with electrical generators to produce usable power.
- Industrial Controls: Covers automated control systems used to monitor and regulate plant processes, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and compliance with operational standards.
- Power Plant Instrumentation: Teaches the use and maintenance of sensors, meters, and diagnostic tools that provide real-time data on system conditions and performance.
- Reactor Theory (where applicable): Delivers foundational knowledge of nuclear reactor operation, including neutron behavior, fission processes, and safety protocols in nuclear power environments.
- Water Chemistry: Addresses the importance of water quality in boiler and cooling systems, focusing on corrosion prevention, scaling control, and chemical treatment strategies.
- Pollution Control: Examines technologies and procedures for minimizing environmental emissions, including particulate capture, nitrogen oxide reduction, and sulfur dioxide abatement.
- Electrical Power Systems: Builds understanding of AC/DC power distribution, grid integration, voltage regulation, and the role of transformers and switchgear in power transmission.
Power Plant Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Power Plant Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Power Plant Technology degrees, including Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay, Power Plant Operators and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 118,170 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay 49-2095 | $100,940 | $60,820 - $127,970 | 23,040 | $48.53 |
| Power Plant Operators 51-8013 | $99,670 | $59,930 - $128,760 | 30,720 | $47.92 |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other 17-3029 | $77,390 | $47,010 - $114,630 | 64,410 | $37.21 |
Power Plant Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $74,750 in New Hampshire to $109,793 in Washington—a 47% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, District of Columbia, and Hawaii. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 118,170 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Power Plant Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Power Plant Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Power Plant Technology is found at Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) (26 graduates), Williamson College of the Trades (20 graduates), Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) (16 graduates), Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) (13 graduates), and Excelsior University (7 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 84 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) |
Bachelor's
|
26 | Castine, Maine | Public | mainemaritime.edu |
| Williamson College of the Trades |
Associate's
|
20 | Media, Pennsylvania | Private | williamson.edu |
| Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) |
Associate's
|
16 | Okmulgee, Oklahoma | Public | osuit.edu |
| Flint Hills Technical College (FHTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
13 | Emporia, Kansas | Public | fhtc.edu |
| Excelsior University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
7 | Albany, New York | Private | excelsior.edu |
| Northland Pioneer College (NPC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
2 | Holbrook, Arizona | Public | npc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Power Plant Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Power Plant Technology degree?
Salaries for Power Plant Technology graduates vary by role and location. Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay earn a median of $100,940 annually, while Power Plant Operators earn around $99,670. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $109,793 compared to $74,750 in New Hampshire. Approximately 118,170 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Power Plant Technology programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Power Plant Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) (26 graduates), Williamson College of the Trades (20 graduates), and Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) (16 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Power Plant Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay, Power Plant Operators, and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 118,170 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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