CFChooseField
Production

Power Plant Operators

Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Power Plant Operators
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Median pay

$99,670
Median annual pay for Power Plant Operators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-11.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

31,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Power Plant Operators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-3,500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Long-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Speaking
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Monitoring
  5. 5Reading Comprehension
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Production and Processing
  5. 5Chemistry
  6. 6Physics

Abilities

  1. 1Oral Comprehension
  2. 2Problem Sensitivity
  3. 3Deductive Reasoning
  4. 4Near Vision
  5. 5Oral Expression
  6. 6Inductive Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Cautiousness
  2. 2Attention to Detail
  3. 3Dependability
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Self-Control
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2E-Mail
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  5. 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  6. 6Contact With Others

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · in demandMicrosoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandSAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Access · hot technologyTeknik Segala OSI Plant Information PI SystemSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareSiemens TelepermSiemens Power Plant Automation SPPASafety instrumented system SIS software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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