Power plant operators
SOC Code: 51-8013Also known as:
Asphalt Plant Operator, Auxiliary Equipment Tender, Auxiliary Operator, Auxiliary Power Equipment Operator, Batch Plant Operator
Median Annual Salary
$99,670
-11.2% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
32K
Current Jobs
What Power plant operators Do
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
💰 Salary
$99,670
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-11.2%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
31,600
Projected Employment (2034)
28,000
Related Careers
Industrial production managers
$121,440 •
+1.9% growth
Power plant operators
$99,670 •
-11.2% growth
Plant and system operators, all other
$61,710 •
+1.6% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
- Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
- Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
- Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
- Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
- Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.
- Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
- Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.
- Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
- Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Power plant operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a power plant operators:
Power Plant Technology/Technician
84 degrees awarded •
6 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Power plant operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become power plant operators.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Williamson College of the Trades | Media, PA | 20 | B |
| 2 | Maine Maritime Academy | Castine, ME | 26 | C+ |
| 3 | Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology | Okmulgee, OK | 16 | C+ |
| 4 | Flint Hills Technical College | Emporia, KS | 13 | C+ |
| 5 | Excelsior University | Albany, NY | 7 | C |
| 6 | Northland Pioneer College | Holbrook, AZ | 2 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do power plant operators make?
The median annual salary for power plant operators is $99,670.
What education do power plant operators need?
Most power plant operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Power Plant Technology/Technician.
Is becoming power plant operators a good career choice?
Power plant operators is projected to see -11.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 2,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for power plant operators?
Top colleges for aspiring power plant operators include
Williamson College of the Trades, Maine Maritime Academy, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, Flint Hills Technical College, Excelsior University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to power plant operators?
Power plant operators may also be known as: Asphalt Plant Operator, Auxiliary Equipment Tender, Auxiliary Operator, Auxiliary Power Equipment Operator, Batch Plant Operator, Booster Operator, Booster Plant Operator, Booster Pump Operator, Carbon Capture Power Plant Engineer, Carbon Capture Power Plant Operator, Carbon Sequestration Plant Engineer, Carbon Sequestration Plant Operator, Coal Gasification Technician (Coal Gasification Tech), Cogeneration Technician (Cogeneration Tech), Control Center Operator, Control Operator, Control Room Operator, Electric Operator, Energy and Sustainability Manager, Generator Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.