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Power Plant Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

W3Global Inc.

Power Plant Manager

Leesburg, VA

$200K - $275K/yr

My client is seeking an experienced Power Plant Manager to lead operations for their natural gas plant in Northwest Virginia near Leesburg, VA . * The facility includes two Siemens SGT6-5000F gas ...

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EthosEnergy

Power Plant Manager

Leesburg, VA

$200K - $275K/yr

Ethos Energy is seeking an experienced Power Plant Manager to lead operations at the Potomac Energy Center, a 2x1 combined-cycle natural gas plant in Northwest Virginia near Leesburg, VA. The ...

Vistra Corp.

Power Plant Tech

Moss Landing, CA · On-site

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a Natural Gas Power Plant. This includes water treatment systems, circulating water systems, condensate/feedwater systems, heat ...

Luminant

Power Plant Tech

Moss Landing, CA

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a Natural Gas Power Plant. This includes water treatment systems, circulating water systems, condensate/feedwater systems, heat ...

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Power Plant Operations information

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$30K

$106.8K

$173K

How much do power plant operations jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for power plant operations in the United States is $106,759.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $133,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Power Plant Operations vs Power Plant Maintenance?

AspectPower Plant OperationsPower Plant Maintenance
Primary FocusManaging daily plant functions, overseeing plant performance, and ensuring continuous power generationInspecting, repairing, and maintaining equipment to prevent failures and ensure optimal operation
Required CertificationsOperator licenses, technical certificationsTechnician or maintenance certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, plant floors, outdoor sitesWorkshops, equipment rooms, outdoor maintenance areas
Industry UsagePower generation facilities, utility companiesPower plants, industrial facilities, maintenance service providers

Power Plant Operations and Power Plant Maintenance are closely related roles within the energy industry. Operations focus on managing the plant's daily functions and ensuring continuous power output, while Maintenance involves repairing and maintaining equipment to prevent downtime. Both roles require technical certifications and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ, making them complementary in power plant management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Power Plant Operations, and why are they important?

To thrive in Power Plant Operations, candidates typically need strong mechanical aptitude, understanding of electrical and thermal systems, and a high school diploma or associate degree, often supplemented by relevant industry certifications. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA software, and safety protocols is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for responding to issues and collaborating with team members. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of power generation equipment, minimizing downtime and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What qualifications do you need to be a power plant operator?

Power plant operators typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or an apprenticeship. Many employers prefer candidates with technical knowledge of electrical, mechanical, or industrial systems, and some roles require certification or licensing depending on the state or facility.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Power Plant Operations, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Power Plant Operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining equipment reliability, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and responding to unexpected operational issues. Staying current with technological updates and adhering to strict operational procedures are key to overcoming these challenges. Collaboration with maintenance teams, ongoing training, and clear communication help ensure the plant operates smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, developing problem-solving skills and a proactive approach can help operators handle emergencies and minimize downtime.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In power plant operations, high-level executive roles such as plant managers or chief engineers can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills in the energy sector.

What are Power Plant Operations?

Power Plant Operations refer to the activities involved in running and maintaining facilities that generate electricity, such as coal, gas, nuclear, or renewable energy plants. Operators monitor equipment, control power-generating machinery, adjust controls to regulate electricity flow, and ensure plants operate safely and efficiently. They also perform routine inspections, troubleshoot issues, and follow strict safety and environmental regulations. The goal is to ensure a consistent and reliable supply of electricity while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.

What does an operator do at a power plant?

A power plant operator monitors and controls the equipment that generates electricity, ensuring safe and efficient operation of turbines, generators, and other systems. They perform routine inspections, respond to alarms, and follow safety protocols, often working in control rooms and requiring technical skills and certifications. Operators may work rotating shifts to maintain continuous plant operation.

How much does it pay to work at a power plant?

Power plant operators and technicians typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000, with wages varying based on experience, location, and certifications such as a boiler operator license or electrical certification. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced workers or those in supervisory roles can earn over $100,000 annually.
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Power Plant Operations jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operations job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,759 per year, or $51.3 per hour.
Power Plant Engineer

Power Plant Engineer

Consolidated Asset Management Services (CAMS)

Waterford, OH

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Waterford Power LLC is seeking a multi disciplined Combined cycle Plant Engineer for the Waterford Combined cycle facility. Under the general direction of the O&M Manager, this individual will be responsible for performing intermediate to complex level engineering activities, project development, job planning as assigned, manage all NERC related programs and be responsible for various reporting to support the business.

Waterford Power LLC is a Combined Cycle 3X1 875mw Power Plant consisting of three GE 7FA Combustion Turbines, three Nooter HRSG's, one GE D11 Steam Turbine and supporting balance of plant equipment. The generating facility was commissioned for commercial operation in 2003.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide technical guidance in the operation of plant activities to ensure compliance with all appropriate local, state and federal environmental control regulations, Occupational Safety and Health Act and other applicable laws and regulations
  • Conduct results oriented engineering, including but not limited to: conducting performance tests, analyzing operating data, and developing operational plans and equipment recommendations to optimize performance and profitability.
  • Support the Plant Safety Process by developing, maintaining and enforcing safe working conditions.
  • Oversee facilities Management of Change Program
  • Manage sites NERC programs
  • Manage sites Engineering programs: High Energy Piping, Transformers, HRSG, Generators, Turbines.
  • Recommend and direct improvements to equipment design and maintenance procedures
  • Develop, maintain and improve maintenance procedures and instructions for generating and other equipment to assure safe, efficient and reliable operation
  • Perform Power Plant Operations and Maintenance calculations and practices.
  • Provide equipment performance data to management in support of predictive maintenance program.
  • Assist Plant staff as needed with training and training development
  • Participate in the development of plant O&M and capital forecast, and tracking and controlling expenditures to meet approved budgets
  • Ensures optimized material, parts, and equipment inventories to maintain facility in a cost-effective manner
  • Other duties as deemed necessary by Plant Management

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