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Coal Boiler Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer Generation - Boiler

Ottumwa, IA ยท On-site

$98K - $135K/yr

... coal boiler systems within a combined cycle facility. This position offers a unique blend of ... into operating and maintaining equipment. * Goes beyond generally accepted guidelines to ...

Coal Handler

Winfield, WV ยท On-site

$34.86/hr

Hand lance slag in boilers, hand- operating soot blowers, unplugging ash lines, disposing of ... Coal Handler (depending on the line-of-progression) or vacate the Equipment Operator-Junior ...

Coal Handler

Winfield, WV ยท On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Hand lance slag in boilers, hand- operating soot blowers, unplugging ash lines, disposing of ... Coal Handler (depending on the line-of-progression) or vacate the Equipment Operator-Junior ...

Boiler Maker - REPCON

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site +1

$24.75 - $30/hr

Attaches rigging or signals crane operator to lift components to specified position. Aligns ... coal hoppers and safety hatch to frame using wrenches. Performs minor maintenance or cleaning ...

Boiler Maker - REPCON

Baton Rouge, LA ยท On-site +1

$24.75 - $30/hr

Attaches rigging or signals crane operator to lift components to specified position. Aligns ... coal hoppers and safety hatch to frame using wrenches. Performs minor maintenance or cleaning ...

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Coal Boiler Operator information

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$12

$28

$42

How much do coal boiler operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for coal boiler operator in the United States is $28.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a coal boiler operator?

Coal Boiler Operators are skilled technicians responsible for operating and maintaining coal-fired boilers used to generate heat or electricity in industrial settings. They monitor boiler systems, adjust controls to maintain proper pressure and temperature, and ensure the safe and efficient combustion of coal. Regular inspections, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting are key parts of the job to prevent malfunctions and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Coal Boiler Operators also keep detailed records of equipment performance and follow strict procedures to minimize emissions and hazards.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a coal boiler operator?

To thrive as a Coal Boiler Operator, you need knowledge of boiler operations, mechanical systems, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or a relevant certification. Familiarity with control systems, monitoring instrumentation, and maintenance tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are vital soft skills for identifying and addressing issues promptly. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of coal-fired boilers, minimizing downtime and hazards.

What are common challenges faced by coal boiler operators?

Coal Boiler Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal boiler performance while adhering to strict safety and environmental regulations. They must monitor equipment for signs of wear or malfunction and respond quickly to alarms or changes in operating conditions. Managing the manual handling of coal and ash, as well as maintaining accurate records of fuel consumption and emissions, are also key aspects of the role. Effective communication with maintenance teams and supervisors is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operations.

What is the difference between Coal Boiler Operator vs Steam Plant Operator?

AspectCoal Boiler OperatorSteam Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires boiler operation licenses or certificationsRequires boiler operation licenses or certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial facilities, power plants, manufacturing plantsPower plants, industrial facilities, energy production sites
Industry UsageCommonly employed in coal-fired power plants and industrial settingsUsed in power generation, manufacturing, and energy sectors

Both Coal Boiler Operators and Steam Plant Operators require similar certifications and work in comparable industrial environments. While their roles may differ slightly in scope, they often overlap in power plant settings where steam and coal boiler operations are integral to energy production.

Is a coal boiler operator a good career?

A coal boiler operator manages the operation and maintenance of coal-fired boilers, requiring technical skills and safety knowledge. The job can offer stable employment and competitive wages, but it involves working in potentially hazardous environments and may require certifications. Career prospects depend on industry demand and environmental regulations affecting coal energy use.

What qualifications do you need to work on coal boilers?

Coal boiler operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in boiler operation and safety procedures. Certification or licensing, such as a boiler operator license, is often required and may involve passing written and practical exams. Experience with industrial equipment and adherence to safety standards are also important qualifications.
More about Coal Boiler Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Coal Boiler Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,966 per year, or $28.8 per hour.

Senior Engineer Generation - Boiler

Alliantenergy

Burlington, IA โ€ข On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy!

At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.

Job Summary

Are you ready to take on a high-impact engineering role at the heart of energy production? As a Senior Engineer - Generation, you'll be part of a dynamic team responsible for maintaining and enhancing the performance of our coal boiler systems within a combined cycle facility. This position offers a unique blend of technical challenge and hands-on project leadership, where you'll oversee complex repairs, manage contractors, and ensure compliance standards for coded pressure welding.

From planning and executing boiler tube reduction programs to coordinating inspections and managing energy piping repairs, you'll play a critical role in keeping our power generation infrastructure safe, efficient, and reliable. You'll work cross-functionally with maintenance and operations teams.

If you're passionate about energy systems, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and excel at contractor and project management, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the power generation industry.

What you will do
  • Independently performs work on a variety of complex assignments requiring in-depth analysis to determine appropriate solutions to solve problems.
  • Identifies problems and solutions and makes safety suggestions to maintain a safe work environment, using tools and standards to design safety into operating and maintaining equipment.
  • Goes beyond generally accepted guidelines to proactively identify and analyze problems and recommend solutions to customer needs with minimal guidance.
  • Solves complex problems by relying on experience and outside references to identify new ways of using existing procedures, techniques, and resources.
  • Develops recommendations for technically sound and cost-effective solutions, understanding the application to other problems and systems and demonstrating critical thinking skills.
  • Demonstrates the ability and confidence to present alternatives and constructively influence the customer's decision making.
  • Makes higher risk decisions that involve direct application of technical knowledge and may have an impact on multiple areas of the business with proper sign off from customer.
  • Proactively provides guidance to less experienced personnel and may mentor new employees or interns.
  • Has established effective working relationships and credibility with employees, contractors, customers, functional groups, and internal and external peers.
  • Explains technical problems to internal stakeholders and accurately prepares detailed documents such as technical studies and project documentation for future reference.
  • Manages project budgets, including processes accruals, and communicates anticipated changes in the budget. Applies FIN 102 requirements when executing requisitions, receipts, and related project tasks.
  • Understands various corporate financial statements and can differentiate how project implementation and property unit catalog (PUC) citations will impact the rate payer versus the shareholder, including providing input to PUC modifications as appropriate.
  • Supports Generation facility outages.
  • Engages in other duties as needed that support Alliant Energy's Values and helps deliver on our Purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.
Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree Within an engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission

Required Experience
  • 7 years of related experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Project management leadership experience preferred, along with ability to deal with subcontractors and cross-functional teams; may have expertise in a particular area of the discipline.
  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and project management).
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Key Skills
  • Condition Monitoring Continual Improvement Process Cost Optimization Design Specifications Inspection Management Power Engineering Predictive Maintenance Project and Program Management Records Management Root Cause Analysis

Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you.

Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site.

Pay Range:

$106,000 - $186,000

This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.

It's not just what we do; it's how we do it.

Live Safety. Everyone. Always | Make Things Better | Care For Others | Do The Right Thing | Act For Tomorrow | Think Beyond. Be Bold

Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.

All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable.

Disclaimer:
The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please email talent@alliantenergy.com.