Power Plant Operator

Power plant operators control and monitor boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment in power-generating plants. They distribute power among generators, regulate the output from several generators, and monitor instruments to maintain voltage and regulate electricity flows from the plant. They use computers to report unusual incidents, malfunctioning equipment, or maintenance performed during their shifts.

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PAY SCALE

$95,150 in Washington,
$81,190 in U.S. through 2028

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EDUCATION

High School Diploma,
Certificate or Associate Degree

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JOBS AVAILABLE

40 in Washington,
3,000 in U.S. through 2026

Education & Training

CAREER PATH

With sufficient training and experience, workers can become shift supervisors, trainers, or consultants. Because power plants have different systems and safety mechanisms, it can sometimes be difficult to advance by moving to a different company, although this is not always the case. Most power companies promote from within and most workers advance within a particular plant or by moving to another plant owned by the same utility.

EMPLOYERS

The types of employers for this position are utility companies.

TRAINING

This position requires journey level experience. Utility companies provide on-going training for journey level workers to keep employees current on new equipment, procedures and safety.