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Boiler Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for a Power Plant Engineer 3 (Boiler Operator) to join our Power Plant team. Opening is for a 4 day-10-hour shift position working 8pm-6am, Thursday and Friday nights and 12pm-10pm ...

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Boiler Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$27

$39

How much do boiler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for boiler operator in Iowa is $27.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.60 and $31.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges boiler operators face in maintaining safe and efficient operations?

Boiler Operators often encounter challenges such as responding quickly to system malfunctions, managing fluctuating demand, and ensuring compliance with strict safety and environmental regulations. Maintaining accurate records, performing routine inspections, and troubleshooting mechanical issues require attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills. Operators must also stay updated on evolving technologies and best practices to help prevent downtime and ensure optimal performance. Close collaboration with maintenance teams and engineers is essential for addressing complex issues and implementing preventive measures.

What do boiler operators do?

Boiler operators are responsible for the care and maintenance of the boilers found in homes, businesses, and large industrial spaces. Boiler operators perform tests and maintenance to ensure that the boilers run safely and without fail. They replace worn parts, like valves or filters. They test water level, pressure, and chemical levels, and perform routine safety checks.

What is the difference between Boiler Operator vs HVAC Technician?

AspectBoiler OperatorHVAC Technician
CredentialsBoiler Operator license or certification, technical trainingHVAC certification, technical training
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, power plants, manufacturing facilitiesCommercial and residential buildings, HVAC service sites
Industry UsagePower generation, manufacturing, facilities managementBuilding maintenance, HVAC installation and repair

While both Boiler Operators and HVAC Technicians require technical training and certifications, Boiler Operators focus on operating and maintaining boilers in industrial settings, whereas HVAC Technicians specialize in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in buildings. Their work environments and industry applications differ, but both roles are essential for facility operations and safety.

What is a boiler operator?

Boiler Operators are skilled professionals responsible for operating, maintaining, and repairing boilers and other mechanical systems that provide heat, hot water, or steam for buildings and industrial processes. They monitor equipment, check gauges, perform routine inspections, and ensure systems operate safely and efficiently. Boiler Operators also troubleshoot issues, conduct preventive maintenance, and adhere to safety regulations to prevent accidents or equipment failures.

Is a boiler operator a good career?

A boiler operator is a skilled tradesperson responsible for operating and maintaining boilers and related equipment, often requiring certification and technical knowledge. The role offers stable employment opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, power generation, and building management, with potential for advancement and good wages. It typically involves working in shifts and adhering to safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a boiler operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Boiler Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, thermodynamics, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or GED and a boiler operator license. Proficiency in operating and maintaining boilers, using control systems, and familiarity with monitoring and diagnostic tools are essential. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators quickly identify and address issues. These skills and qualities are critical for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable boiler operation in industrial and commercial settings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Boiler Operator jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Boiler Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Boiler Operator jobs in Iowa? For Boiler Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Boiler Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Boiler Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Boiler Operator jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Boiler Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Boiler Operator jobs in IA? For Boiler Operator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Boiler Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,324 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

$49K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description The Mount Pleasant Correctional Facility is a minimum custody, male facility that houses approximately 1150 incarcerated individuals. Our goal is to offer treatment, work, education, and apprenticeship opportunities in order to prepare them for their entry back into the neighborhoods of Iowa. The mission of the Iowa DOC is "Creating opportunities for safer communities, and our MPCF mission is, "Helping people become their best," and we need talented and passionate people to fulfill our mission.

We are looking for a Power Plant Engineer 3 (Boiler Operator) to join our Power Plant team. Opening is for a 4 day-10-hour shift position working 8pm-6am, Thursday and Friday nights and 12pm-10pm, Sunday and Monday afternoons. JOB DUTIES: This position will operate and control the high-pressure boiler system and electrical generation equipment to supply the institution with heat, hot water, and backup electrical power.

Monitor building automation and make adjustments as necessary. Perform routine and preventive maintenance on power plant/boiler equipment, pumps, motors, fans, generators etc. Make repairs on equipment such as rebuild of steam regulators, valves and traps.

Repair pumps and motors, minor welding repair and fabrication for the institution. This includes catwalks, frameworks and various campus equipment. Supervision of Incarcerated Individual workers to complete routine maintenance and cleaning of the powerhouse and boiler area.

WHAT WE OFFER THE SELECTED CANDIDATE: Collaborative and respectful team environment. Opportunities for professional development and personal growth Excellent pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending and life insurance Biweekly vacation accrual and separate sick leave Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) retirement package Optional 401A plan with employer contributions E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States.

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Minimum Qualification Requirements Experience equal to three years of full-time work in the operation, maintenance and repair of steam generating boilers, centralized air-conditioning or electrical power generating equipment and auxiliary systems; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting 30 semester hours of accredited coursework from a military school or recognized trade or vocational school in power plant engineering principles including the operation, maintenance and repair of steam boilers for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of one year; OR employees with current continuous experience in the state Executive Branch that includes experience equal to one year of full-time experience as a Power Plant Engineer 2

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. Additional Qualification Requirements Within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority, certain employees in this class may be required to obtain a Fire Sprinkler Installer and Maintenance License in accordance with Chapter 100D, Iowa Code. Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain the required certification, license and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.


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About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939