Power Plant Operators
Production
From a control board, the operator starts and stops generators, turbines, pumps, and other plant equipment, then matches generator output to the phase, frequency, and voltage needed. Charts, meters, and gauges are read at set intervals, and valves and switches are opened or closed in sequence during start-up and shut-down. Auxiliary equipment such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, and feedwater heaters is kept supplying water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power. Some operators also run distributed units such as fuel cells or microturbines that produce power on-site. It suits people who like watching machinery through instruments and acting on readings in a set order.
Typical education: High School Diploma or GED
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$102'040
Median Wage Market Position
$102'040
What you might do
- Run boilers, turbines, and generators from the board
- Match generator output to the grid's voltage
- Start or stop pumps, turbines, and other units
- Act on meter and gauge readings at set times
- Watch equipment for signs of operating trouble
- Control pumps, fans, and feedwater heaters
Skills that matter
- Matching generator phase, frequency, and voltage
- Taking action from timed meter readings
- Starting turbines, generators, and auxiliary pumps
- Spotting operating problems on plant indicators
- Sequencing valves and switches at start-up
- Running feedwater heaters, filters, and chlorinators
AI & the future of this role
Control-room monitoring and routine set-point changes could shift toward smarter plant software. On-site equipment checks, startup and shutdown judgment, and keeping generation reliable still matter when systems behave unexpectedly.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details