Power Plant Operators

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

$103,600
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
-10% projected 2024โ€“2034
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Power plant operators work in facilities that generate electricity, monitoring complex systems and equipment to ensure power is produced safely and efficiently. They spend their shifts in control rooms filled with gauges, meters, and computer screens that display real-time information about generators, turbines, boilers, and electrical distribution systems. Throughout their shifts, they start and stop equipment, adjust controls to regulate the flow of electricity, and respond to changes in power demand from the electrical grid. They regularly conduct rounds through the plant, inspecting machinery for unusual sounds, vibrations, or temperature changes that might signal potential problems.

Programs That Prepare You

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