Power Plant Engineering: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Power Plant Engineering is a specialized field focused on the design, optimization, and management of large-scale electrical generation and distribution systems. This program equips students with the technical expertise to develop efficient, reliable, and safe power infrastructure that supports modern energy demands across industrial and utility networks.
- Alternative and Renewable Energy Systems: Explores technologies such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and biomass energy integration into power grids, emphasizing sustainability and grid compatibility.
- Calculus and Applied Mathematics: Provides the quantitative foundation for modeling electrical behavior, system dynamics, and optimization in complex power environments.
- Circuit Analysis: Focuses on the principles governing electrical circuits, including AC/DC analysis, impedance, resonance, and fault modeling in power systems.
- Electrical Power Systems and Industry Practices: Covers the operational standards, safety protocols, and regulatory frameworks governing power generation, transmission, and distribution.
- Electrical System Design: Teaches the process of creating comprehensive electrical layouts for power plants, including load calculations, equipment selection, and system integration.
- Microprocessor Architecture: Examines the structure and function of embedded systems and microcontrollers used in automation and real-time control applications.
- Motor Control Systems: Addresses the design and implementation of systems that manage electric motor operation, including speed regulation, starting methods, and efficiency optimization.
- Power Electronics Operation, Planning, and Protection: Focuses on semiconductor devices, converters, inverters, and protective relaying to ensure system stability and reliability.
- Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): Trains in industrial automation using programmable logic systems for monitoring and controlling power plant processes.
- Project Management: Develops skills in planning, scheduling, budgeting, and risk assessment for large-scale power engineering projects.
Power Plant Engineering Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Power Plant Engineering Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Power Plant Engineering degrees, including Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. 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 401,000 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 11-9041 | $167,740 | $111,450 - $239,200 | 210,340 | $80.64 |
| Engineers, All Other 17-2199 | $117,750 | $62,840 - $183,510 | 150,750 | $56.61 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1032 | $106,120 | $59,790 - $200,650 | 39,910 | N/A |
Power Plant Engineering Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $103,617 in Arkansas to $153,590 in New Mexico—a 48% difference. The highest-paying states include New Mexico, California, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 401,000 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 Engineering by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Power Plant Engineering 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 Engineering is found at Technology Learning Center (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 9 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology Learning Center |
Residency
|
9 | Oxford, Massachusetts | Private | tlcedu.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Power Plant Engineering programs
How much can I earn with a Power Plant Engineering degree?
Salaries for Power Plant Engineering graduates vary by role and location. Architectural and Engineering Managers earn a median of $167,740 annually, while Engineers, All Other earn around $117,750. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Mexico average $153,590 compared to $103,617 in Arkansas. Approximately 401,000 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 Engineering programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Power Plant Engineering degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Technology Learning Center (9 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 Engineering degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Architectural and Engineering Managers, Engineers, All Other, and Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 401,000 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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