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Boiler Operator Trainee Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Plant Operator/Operator Trainees operate and monitor auxiliary equipment and systems which support ... Boiler / Furnace equipment, Turbine/Generator and its associated auxiliary equipment, Fuel Systems ...

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Boiler Operator Trainee information

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$13

$29

$42

How much do boiler operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for boiler operator trainee in Wisconsin is $29.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $33.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a boiler operator trainee?

Boiler Operator Trainees are entry-level workers who are learning how to operate, maintain, and monitor boilers and related equipment in facilities such as factories, power plants, or commercial buildings. They work under the supervision of experienced boiler operators and technicians to gain hands-on experience and knowledge about boiler systems, safety procedures, and troubleshooting techniques. The trainee period is designed to prepare individuals for certification and full-time roles as licensed boiler operators.

What does a boiler operator trainee do?

As a Boiler Operator Trainee, you will typically assist experienced operators with monitoring and adjusting boiler systems, performing routine inspections, recording operational data, and learning to identify early signs of equipment issues. You'll also be trained on safety protocols, basic maintenance procedures, and the correct handling of controls and instrumentation. Collaboration with maintenance and engineering teams is common, and you'll gradually take on more independent tasks as you gain proficiency. This hands-on experience is crucial for building the knowledge and skills required for full operator certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a boiler operator trainee?

To thrive as a Boiler Operator Trainee, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, safety regulations, and high school-level math and science, often with a diploma or GED. Familiarity with boiler controls, monitoring systems, and preventive maintenance tools is typically required, and pursuing a boiler operator certification can be advantageous. Attention to detail, reliability, and strong problem-solving skills are important soft skills for this role. These capabilities ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of boiler systems, which is critical for facility safety and uptime.

What is the difference between Boiler Operator Trainee vs Boiler Operator?

AspectBoiler Operator TraineeBoiler Operator
CredentialsMay require a high school diploma and basic trainingRequires relevant certifications and experience
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, often in industrial or power plant settingsFull responsibility for operating and maintaining boilers in industrial settings
Job RoleLearning and assisting under supervisionPerforming boiler operations independently

The main difference is that a Boiler Operator Trainee is in training and learning the role, while a Boiler Operator has completed training and is responsible for operating boilers independently.

How long does boiler operator trainee training take?

Boiler operator trainee training typically lasts from several months up to a year, depending on the program and state requirements. Trainees often complete classroom instruction, hands-on experience, and may need to obtain certifications such as a boiler operator license during this period.

Is being a boiler operator trainee worth it?

Becoming a boiler operator trainee can be worthwhile as it provides hands-on experience in operating and maintaining boilers, often leading to certification and career advancement in the energy or manufacturing sectors. The role requires technical skills, attention to safety protocols, and may involve shift work, but it offers stable employment opportunities and potential for growth.

Is it hard to become a boiler operator trainee?

Becoming a boiler operator trainee typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require completion of a training program or apprenticeship. The role involves learning to operate and maintain boilers, often under supervision, and obtaining relevant certifications can be part of the process. The difficulty varies depending on prior experience and the specific employer's requirements.

What training is required for boiler operator trainees?

Boiler operator trainees typically complete classroom instruction and hands-on training covering boiler operation, safety procedures, and maintenance. Many states or employers require trainees to obtain a license or certification, which may involve passing written and practical exams. Training duration varies but generally includes several months of supervised experience and coursework to ensure competence in operating and maintaining boilers safely.

What are the most commonly searched types of Boiler Operator jobs in Wisconsin?

The most popular types of Boiler Operator jobs in Wisconsin are:

What are popular job titles related to Boiler Operator Trainee jobs in Wisconsin?

For Boiler Operator Trainee jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Boiler Operator Trainee jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Boiler Operator Trainee jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Boiler Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Boiler Operator Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Boiler Operator Trainee job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,527 per year, or $29.1 per hour.

$55 - $75/hr

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Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we're all about propelling the next generation of leaders forward. We are driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. We deliver innovative solutions that make our customers’ lives easier- helping them power, protect, and intelligently manage their homes and businesses. To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company.

We offer a dynamic work environment and a unified and inclusive culture. NRG fosters a strong sense of belonging that leads to better collaboration and business performance. Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now and in the future. In everything we do, we aim to champion our employees and bring value to our customers, investors and society.

More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Job Summary:

Plant Operator/Operator Trainees operate and monitor auxiliary equipment and systems which support the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally sound production of electricity.

  • Operate, inspect, and monitor in a safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally sound manner steam power plant equipment (i.e. Boiler / Furnace equipment, Turbine/Generator and its associated auxiliary equipment, Fuel Systems, Plant Auxiliary Systems includes valves, pumps, blowers, Environmental Control Process equipment, and Water Treatment Systems).
  • Recognize safety hazards and follow safety guidelinesfor personal protection, protection of fellow workers and the protection of the public.
  • Observe variations in operating conditions and interpret meter and gauge readings to troubleshoot plant equipment to resolve operational problems.
  • Monitor and record data available through the use of various instruments, recording charts, annunciator systems and other monitoring devices onto shift logs as directed by plant operational procedures.
  • Perform routine cleaning of work area.
  • Employee must arrange own transportation to work location and may be reassigned to another location at the Company’s discretion.
Working Conditions:
  • Power Plant Environment-Work both inside and outside in all temperatures and climate conditions in accordance with Heat Stress procedures. Around large rotating equipment, energized electrical equipment in high noise areas, and/or in confined places, on elevations in excess of 250 feet, or from platforms at heights of 5 feet or greater. Climb stairways, ladders, and work from aerial devices.
  • High School diploma or GED required.
  • 1-2 years of related field or industrial experience
Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Ability to operate various switches and valves and knowledge of the effect each has on the total operation of the generating station.
  • Ability to work without supervision while carrying out duties.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks or assignments at the same time.
  • Ability to communicate plant system and equipment conditions on to others.
  • Ability to discern and respond to verbal and auditory signals from control panel.
  • Ability to monitor, comprehend, and record data available through the use of various instruments, recording charts, annunciator systems and other monitoring devices onto shift logs as directed by plant operational procedures.
  • Ability to Tag Out/Lock Out equipment per NRG's Tag Out/Lock Out procedure.
  • Ability to perform checks (e.g., PM’s) on equipment.
  • Ability to operate companies vehicles and equipment (e.g. forklift, plant vehicle, etc.) and maintains operating licenses and certificates. TDL is required.
  • Ability to use a personal computer and associated software.
  • Ability to use addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to perform flow, pressure and meter calculation.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematic diagrams, procedures and technical manuals.
  • Ability to record and analyze readings of various electrical and mechanical meters.
  • Ability to generate work notifications for execution of equipment repair.
  • Ability to communicate information clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to operate various computer systems to receive, analyze, comprehend and input data.
  • Ability to perform routine laboratory tests and analysis on boiler water and make-up demineralizer samples.
  • Ability to work successfully in a team environment.
  • Ability to assist others in performance testing
Physical Requirements:
  • Must be prepared to work irregular or rotating shifts and respond to emergency callout 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.
  • Ability to work in mentally stressful environments: must be able to react to crises where immediate action is required to correct or curtail potentially damaging or hazardous situations.
  • Daily work expectation requires ability to perform tasks by walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, crouching, squatting, twisting, pushing, pulling, shoveling, climbing, and working with hand tools (up to 25 pounds) in position above and below head, and extended from body to complete repairs.
  • Lift, carry, position and usetools and/or equipment (weighing up to 50 lbs.) in awkward positions, swing various weights of sledge hammers, stoop and bend to reach valves, pull on chain-falls or come-a-longs.
  • Ability to twist the body and neck while driving company vehicles or operating company equipment.
  • Performance of duties may cause frequent jarring of the body.
  • Work with and around hazardous and non-hazardous materials (reference the waste management guidance manual).
  • Must be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as required i.e.…steel-toed boots, respirators, goggles, safety glasses etc.
  • Ability to discern assorted colors.

Please Note: Salary offered will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s education and/or experience and in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement covering this position.

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing. EOE AA M/F/Protected Veteran Status/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.

EEO is the Law Poster (The poster can be found at http://www.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/poster_screen_reader_optimized.pdf)

Official description on file with Talent.

We support the use of AI tools to help you prepare for your interview (e.g., practicing responses, researching the role, or refining your resume). However, during interviews and assessments, we expect responses to reflect your own thinking, experience, and communication. Use of AI to generate or read answers in real time, complete assessments, or misrepresent your qualifications is not permitted and may impact your candidacy.

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