EnergyUpdated Q1 2026

Power Plant Operator Salary
in Meridian, ID

Control and monitor the systems that generate electricity at a power plant. Median salary in Meridian: $102K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$102K
per year
Take-home: $66K

Salary range in Meridian

Entry level (25th)$76,000
Median (50th)$102,000
Senior (75th)$126,000
Top earner (90th)$145,000
Data freshness

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

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What the numbers say for Meridian

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

5% premium vs national median

Power Plant Operators in Meridian earn approximately 5% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $5,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Meridian's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Primarily on-site role

Only 0% of Power Plant Operator positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Meridian 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.

Slower wage growth (0.5%/yr)

Power Plant Operator wages are growing at 0.5% year-over-year β€” slower than the BLS all-occupations average of ~3.5%. Real wages may lag inflation in years where CPI exceeds this rate, so total compensation negotiation (bonus, equity, benefits) matters more than base salary growth for this role.

Key facts for Meridian

Median salary
$102K
annual
Take-home pay
$66K
after fed/state tax
COL index
105
100 = US avg
State income tax
5.8%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,500
per month
YoY growth
+0.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Meridian 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 $102K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Meridian

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

HistoricalProjected
Power Plant Operator salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$85K$93K$100K$108K$115K201920212023202520272029
2026
$105K
projected
2027
$107K
projected
2028
$110K
projected
2029
$113K
projected
2030
$115K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$102,000+$0
2028 projected$102,000+$0
2029 projected$102,000+$0
2030 projected$102,000+$0

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

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Power Plant Operator Salary in Meridian, Idaho: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Power Plant Operator salary in Meridian, ID is $102,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Meridian–ID 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 Meridian

Entry-level Power Plant Operators in Meridian with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $76,000 and $102,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $102,000 to $126,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $126,000 to $145,000 or more.

Cost of living in Meridian for Power Plant Operators

Meridian has a cost of living index of 105 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Meridian are close to the national average. Idaho has a 5.8% 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
Meridian (current)$102K105
Boise$105K108
Nampa$95K98