EnergyUpdated Q1 2026

Power Plant Operator Salary
in Fort Collins, CO

Control and monitor the systems that generate electricity at a power plant. Median salary in Fort Collins: $109K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$109K
per year
Take-home: $72K

Salary range in Fort Collins

Entry level (25th)$81,000
Median (50th)$109,000
Senior (75th)$134,000
Top earner (90th)$155,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Fort Collins, Colorado. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

Help build this dataset. Add your own Power Plant Operator salary so other workers in Fort Collins have better numbers to work with.
Submit yours β†’

What the numbers say for Fort Collins

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

12% premium vs national median

Power Plant Operators in Fort Collins earn approximately 12% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $12,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Fort Collins's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Rent eats 28% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Fort Collins ($1,700/mo) consumes approximately 28% of an after-tax median Power Plant Operator salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($134K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Primarily on-site role

Only 0% of Power Plant Operator positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Fort Collins salary above represents what local employers actually pay β€” not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Fort Collins

Median salary
$109K
annual
Take-home pay
$72K
after fed/state tax
COL index
112
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.55%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+0.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Fort Collins Power Plant Operator to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $109K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Fort Collins

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Power Plant Operator salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$91K$99K$107K$115K$123K201920212023202520272029
2026
$112K
projected
2027
$115K
projected
2028
$117K
projected
2029
$120K
projected
2030
$123K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$109,000+$0
2028 projected$109,000+$0
2029 projected$109,000+$0
2030 projected$109,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

Full salary breakdown & negotiation guide

Unlock the full salary report + negotiation email template

Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates β€” unsubscribe anytime.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Power Plant Operator Salary in Fort Collins, Colorado: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Power Plant Operator salary in Fort Collins, CO is $109,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Fort Collins–CO metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Power Plant Operator in Fort Collins

Entry-level Power Plant Operators in Fort Collins with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $81,000 and $109,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $109,000 to $134,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $134,000 to $155,000 or more.

Cost of living in Fort Collins for Power Plant Operators

Fort Collins has a cost of living index of 112 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Fort Collins are close to the national average. Colorado has a 4.55% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Power Plant Operator

High school + certification. 0% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Power Plant Operator salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Fort Collins (current)$109K112
Denver$112K118
Colorado Springs$97K102
Aurora$102K112
Lakewood$112K115
Thornton$105K108