How to become a power plant operator
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Steps to get there
Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
What power plant operators do
- Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
- Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
- Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
- Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
- Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
- Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
Is power plant operator a good career?
On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 100% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.
Where it pays most
- Washington $131,620
- Nevada $131,400
- New Jersey $131,370
- Idaho $124,440
- North Dakota $122,160
Power Plant Operators salary by state and city
Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.