Power Plant Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in the operation and maintenance of electricity generating power plants. Includes instruction in basic electricity, electrical power, generator operations, industrial controls, power plant instrumentation, power plant theory, pollution control, reactor theory, thermodynamics, turbines, and water chemistry.
- Schools offering
- 6
- Annual completions
- 73
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $84k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in the operation and maintenance of electricity generating power plants. Includes instruction in basic electricity, electrical power, generator operations, industrial controls, power plant instrumentation, power plant theory, pollution control, reactor theory, thermodynamics, turbines, and water chemistry.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering technologists and technicians, except drafters, all other | $77k | +1.5% | Associate's degree |
| Power plant operators | $100k | -11.2% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay | $101k | +5.5% | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$84k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$78k
Bachelor's
$90k
Top colleges for Power Plant Technology/Technician
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine Maritime Academy | Castine, ME | 0 | 26 | 26 |
| Williamson College of the Trades | Media, PA | 20 | 0 | 20 |
| Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology | Okmulgee, OK | 16 | 0 | 16 |
| Excelsior University | Albany, NY | 6 | 1 | 7 |
| Flint Hills Technical College | Emporia, KS | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| Northland Pioneer College | Holbrook, AZ | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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