Stationary engineers and boiler operators
SOC Code: 51-8021Also known as:
Air Compressor Engineer, Air Compressor Operator, Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer), Air Plant Engineer, Auxiliary Operator
Median Annual Salary
$75,190
+2.2% growth (2024-2034)
4K
Openings/Year
33K
Current Jobs
What Stationary engineers and boiler operators Do
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
💰 Salary
$75,190
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.2%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
4K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
33,300
Projected Employment (2034)
34,000
Related Careers
Mechanical engineers
$102,320 •
+9.1% growth
Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door
$74,690 •
+1.3% growth
Power plant operators
$99,670 •
-11.2% growth
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators
$71,510 •
-1.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Equipment Maintenance
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
- Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.
- Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
- Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
- Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
- Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.
- Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
- Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely.
- Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work.
- Perform or arrange for repairs, such as complete overhauls, replacement of defective valves, gaskets, or bearings, or fabrication of new parts.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do stationary engineers and boiler operators make?
The median annual salary for stationary engineers and boiler operators is $75,190.
What education do stationary engineers and boiler operators need?
Most stationary engineers and boiler operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Is becoming stationary engineers and boiler operators a good career choice?
Stationary engineers and boiler operators is projected to see +2.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 3,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for stationary engineers and boiler operators?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to stationary engineers and boiler operators?
Stationary engineers and boiler operators may also be known as: Air Compressor Engineer, Air Compressor Operator, Air Conditioning Engineer (AC Engineer), Air Plant Engineer, Auxiliary Operator, Blowing Engineer, Boiler Engineer, Boiler Fireman, Boiler Operator, Boiler Plant Equipment Mechanic, Boiler Plant Operator, Boiler Room Operator, Boiler Service Technician (Boiler Service Tech), Boiler Technician (Boiler Tech), Breaker Engineer, Byproduct Engineer, Compressor Operator, Cooling System Operator, Cooling Tower Operator, Diesel Stationary Engineer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.