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Combined Cycle Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

T-Combined Cycle Operator II

Beloit, WI

$17 - $19.50/hr

Observes, operates and initiates repairs to Combined Cycle equipment. * Maintains an accurate operating log of equipment and performs preventive maintenance to sustain equipment availability and ...

Combined Cycle Specialist (I/C) (Polk)

Mulberry, FL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Combined Cycle Specialist (I/C) (Polk) Company: Tampa Electric Company State and City: Florida ... This includes monitoring, operating, and maintaining conditions that ensure reliable operation of ...

Combined Cycle Specialist (I/C) (Polk)

Mulberry, FL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Combined Cycle Specialist (I/C) (Polk) Company: Tampa Electric Company State and City: Florida ... This includes monitoring, operating, and maintaining conditions that ensure reliable operation of ...

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Combined Cycle Operator information

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$10

$32

$83

How much do combined cycle operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for combined cycle operator in the United States is $32.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Combined Cycle Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Combined Cycle Operator, you need a solid understanding of power plant operations, thermodynamics, and safety protocols, typically supported by relevant technical training or an associate degree in power plant technology. Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS), plant monitoring software, and industry-standard safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and reliable power generation in complex plant environments.

What are the typical work shifts and team structure for a Combined Cycle Operator in a power plant?

Combined Cycle Operators usually work in rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure the plant operates continuously. They are part of a control room team and collaborate closely with maintenance technicians, engineers, and other operators to monitor equipment and respond to issues. Teamwork is essential, as operators rely on clear communication during shift handovers and emergencies. Understanding the structured shift schedule helps candidates prepare for the demands of 24/7 operations.

What is a Combined Cycle Operator?

A Combined Cycle Operator is a professional responsible for operating and monitoring combined cycle power plants, which use both gas and steam turbines to generate electricity more efficiently. Their duties include starting, stopping, and overseeing equipment, monitoring system performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring safe and efficient plant operation. They also perform routine maintenance and follow strict safety and environmental guidelines to minimize risks and downtime. This role requires technical knowledge of power plant systems and strong attention to detail.

Is being a plant operator worth it?

A combined cycle operator manages the operation and maintenance of power plant equipment, ensuring efficient energy production. The role typically offers stable employment, competitive wages, and requires technical skills and certifications. It can be a worthwhile career for those interested in energy production and plant operations.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Combined Cycle Operators typically earn around $3,000 or more per month, especially with experience and certifications such as OSHA or technical training. These roles involve monitoring and maintaining power plant equipment, often requiring on-the-job training rather than a college degree.

What is the difference between Combined Cycle Operator vs Gas Turbine Operator?

AspectCombined Cycle OperatorGas Turbine Operator
CertificationsTypically requires power plant operation certifications, sometimes specific to combined cycle systemsRequires gas turbine operation certifications, often similar to combined cycle roles
Work EnvironmentOperates in power plants with combined cycle systems, involving both gas and steam turbinesWorks primarily with gas turbines in power generation facilities
Industry UsageCommon in power plants utilizing combined cycle technology for efficiencyFound in facilities focusing on gas turbine power generation

Both roles involve operating and maintaining turbines in power plants, but Combined Cycle Operators manage systems that integrate gas and steam turbines for higher efficiency, while Gas Turbine Operators focus solely on gas turbines. The certifications and work environments overlap significantly, making them closely related roles in the power industry.

More about Combined Cycle Operator jobs
What states have the most Combined Cycle Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Combined Cycle Operator jobs include:
Infographic showing various Combined Cycle Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Combined Cycle Operator I

Combined Cycle Operator I

Duke Energy

Saint Petersburg, FL

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Duke Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 163 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 74 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Wednesday, June 10, 2026More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

We are currently seeking qualified individuals to operate and maintain the power generating facility located at the P.L. Bartow Combined Cycle Power Plant in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Plant is a 4x1 Combined Cycle plant utilizing Siemens SGT6-5000F (WD501FD3) CTs with Ultra Low NOx burners, Duel Fuel, Power Augmentation and Evaporative Coolers.The Steam Generators are Duct Fired with Selective Catalytic Reduction for NOx removal, utilizing hydraulically actuated bypass dampers for conversion to Simple Cycle Operation during HRSG operation.

We are also looking to hire at the Combined Cycle Operator Level (CCO) to operate and maintain the Bartow Combined Cycle Power Plant. This position requires the incumbent to have been qualified as a control board operator at a power generation station (journeyman operator) and be able to demonstrate a progression skill level of competence from selected journeyman tasks in the Instrumentation and Control (I&C), Mechanical and Electrical maintenance fields. This is referred to as a Maintenance Progression.

Incumbent will be required to provide safe and reliable start-up, operation and continuous monitoring of HRSGs, electric generators, steam and electrical distribution systems, steam turbines, and auxiliary equipment. Must be able to monitor continuous control process in both a control room environment and physical plant inspection to insure the normal operation of the plant. Must be able make necessary equipment adjustments, log significant observations, record daily meter readings and maintain daily operating logs.

Must also be able to understand basic chemistry and perform laboratory water analysis. Incumbent will be required to perform all maintenance progression-level tasks associated with the maintenance of the combustion turbines, steam turbine, HRSGs and the associated balance of plant equipment. The incumbent must be able to perform preventative maintenance as well as troubleshoot and perform minor repairs as follows:

  • Electrical Maintenance: Experienced in troubleshooting and correcting electrical maintenance problems, including switch gear, motors, breakers and plant wiring. Should be familiar with the usage of high-tech electronic test equipment and other precision test instruments used in identifying problems.

  • Mechanical Maintenance: Experience in troubleshooting and correcting mechanical problems which include combustion turbines, steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), pumps, compressors, valves and various rotating equipment. Must be proficient in alignment, basic machining, rigging and equipment component inspection and repair.

  • Instrumentation & Control: Experienced in troubleshooting, calibrating, repairing, tuning, and replacing sophisticated I&C equipment and components. Must be able to maintain the plant equipment and components. Must be able to maintain the plant Distributed Control System (DCS) and related equipment. Completion of extensive technical training in modern I&C work is required.

Responsibilities:

  • Training and instructional assignments in board watch (monitor and maintain plant parameters in accordance design basis; spot emergency conditions; protect individual safety and plant equipment integrity at all times; coordinate unit dispatch with unit control centers; stay engaged with portfolio management in order to sustain system requirements), the performance of routine site rounds, the maintenance of the control center log, the ensuring that proper LOTO procedures are performed as directed, and the coordination with operations of the work of maintenance personnel, to include vendor and Company maintenance personnel.

  • Training and instructional assignments in basic, fundamental troubleshooting and repair of plant equipment; the identification of equipment that needs journeyman repair, and the contacting of station leadership to prepare work orders for that work.

  • Training and instructional assignments in water chemistry duties such as sampling, analysis, and the routine performance of analyzer calibrations.

Basic Qualifications:

  • High School diploma or GED equivalent is required.

  • Three years directly related experience as a journeyman power station operator (solar, wind or hydro experience does not apply) required, or three years' experience in ancillary power operations in a military context.

Specific Requirements:

  • Will be required to complete the Operator development program.

  • Must have and maintain a valid driver's license.

  • Must achieve test-recommended score on the Edison Electrical Institute (EEI) MASS, at the I&C level, and the POSS tests.

  • This position contains a weight restriction of 275 pounds as an essential function of the job. The purpose of this restriction is to ensure that all weight rated equipment is used in an appropriate and safe manner within maximum allowed weight loading.

  • Candidates must live within one (1) hour travel time of the plant.

Additional Desired Qualifications

  • Must be qualified as a Control Board Operator (i.e. Journeyman operator level skill) at a power generation station. Incumbent must be fully competent in power station operations; incumbent must also be well versed in the underlying theoretical applications of thermodynamics. External Candidates must be qualified as a Combined Cycle Control Board Operator at a power generation station to be considered for the Combined Cycle Operator position.

  • Must possess well-developed oral and written communications skills.

  • The Individual will be responsible for compliance with safety standards and environmental regulations, operational efficiency and unit reliability.

  • Incumbent shall be a self-starter with interest in training and personal development and willing to work in a team oriented multi-discipline environment.

  • Vocational, technical or military training (practical and theory) in electrical, instrumentation and mechanical areas.

  • Excellent analysis and decision-making abilities

  • Three years' experience working in a combined cycle position within a utility environment.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Also required is a complete understanding of power station water chemistry functions and applications (e.g., proper sampling, analysis, and related instrument calibrations). Must have the ability to successfully complete the Combined Cycle Operator Development Program

Working Conditions:

  • Onsite Mobility Classification

  • Must be able to work rotating shifts to cover a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week operation, around rotating and energized equipment, outdoors and indoors, in hot and cold temperature extremes under limited supervision. Must be available for callouts and long working hours. Excellent analysis and decision-making abilities required

Travel Requirements

5-15%Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)YesRepresented/Union PositionMain IBEW Florida UnionVisa Sponsored PositionNoPlease note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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About Duke Energy

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Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Our electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Our natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Our company employs 28,000 people.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1904