About This Career Path
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Manufacturing
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power.
Manufacturing Industry
Power Plant Operators
Average
$67,870
ANNUAL
$32.63
HOURLY
Entry Level
$45,400
ANNUAL
$21.83
HOURLY
Mid Level
$51,990
ANNUAL
$25.00
HOURLY
Expert Level
$102,620
ANNUAL
$49.34
HOURLY
Power Plant Operators
100
Projected job openings through 2030
Power Plant Operators
Job Titles
Entry Level
JOB TITLE
Trainee or Assistant Equipment Operator
Mid Level
JOB TITLE
Power Plant Operator
Expert Level
JOB TITLE
Senior Operator or Supervisor
Supporting Programs
Power Plant Operators
Power Plant Operators
01
Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
02
Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
03
Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
04
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.
05
Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
06
Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
07
Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
08
Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.
09
Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
10
Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.
Power Plant Operators
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Mechanical
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Public Safety and Security
KNOWLEDGE
Mathematics
KNOWLEDGE
Production and Processing
SKILL
Operations Monitoring
SKILL
Critical Thinking
SKILL
Operation and Control
SKILL
Speaking
SKILL
Active Listening
ABILITY
Oral Comprehension
ABILITY
Oral Expression
ABILITY
Problem Sensitivity
ABILITY
Deductive Reasoning
ABILITY
Near Vision
Manufacturing
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