EnergyGreen JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.
Power Plant Operator
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Annual openings
59
BLS median wage
$102,780
Typical education
High school (GED)
10-year growth
+3%
Career requirements
What does this career require?
The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.
Typical education
High school (GED)
Credential requirement
No certification is required or expected for this job.
Work experience
Moderate on-the-job training and experience is expected, often gained through an apprenticeship.
Employer competency information
- Safety — Safety knowledge is critical from entry-level to top management.
- Working with Tools and Technology — Many of the technical roles use tools as an important part of their day-to-day job.
- Communication and Teamwork — Good communication skills are important both with team members and customers.
- Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Analytical Thinking — Many of the day-to-day activities of technical and customer service roles are related to solving problems.
One employer hired operators from a brewery to fill their Plant Operator roles.
Is this work a fit?
What the work actually feels like
How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.
Work style
- With kids/peopleOccasionally
- On a computerOccasionally
- Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
- With your handsOccasionally
Interests it draws on
- Trades
- Energy and Utilities
Automation exposure
High exposure
Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.
A typical day
- 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.