Power Plant Operator

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Work Tasks

• Control power plant machinery which makes electricity
• Control and watch boilers, turbines, generators, and other equipment and make sure the power supply is delivered evenly
• Make sure that electricity is flowing from the plant correctly
• Use computers to keep records of demands on the system
• Work for electric utility companies, the government, or manufacturing plants that make electricity for their own use
• Work with instrument readings and control panels, switchboards, boilers, turbines, generators, auxiliary equipment, switching gear, and computers

Salary, Size & Growth

• $69,500 average per year ($33.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (63,500 workers in 2010)
• Expected to decline (0.2% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A high school diploma
• Employers Prefer: A 2-year degree in engineering technology or military training
• Skills/Courses: Courses in math, chemistry, physics, computers before hiring; courses in plant operation are provided after hiring.