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EnergyTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.Green JobOccupation aligned to O*NET green economy classifications.

Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator

Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.

Annual openings

92

Median wage

$81,310

Typical education

High school (GED)

Growth 2026–2032

+8%

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

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required.

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.

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.

Automation exposure

High exposure

Many tasks are repeatable, so technology could reshape the day-to-day over time.

A typical day

  1. Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
  2. Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.
  3. Receive instructions from steam engineers regarding steam plant and air compressor operations.
  4. Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
  5. Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
  6. Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
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