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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

Median wage

$102,780

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+3%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

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

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsMay vary

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

  1. Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
  2. Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
  3. Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
  4. Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
  5. Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
  6. Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
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