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Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NAES Corporation

Power Plant Operator

Ferndale, WA

$46.47 - $48.29/hr

Opportunity Summary The Power Plant Operator at the Ferndale Generating Station is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of turbines, generators, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems. This role ...

NAES

Power Plant Operator

Ferndale, WA · On-site

Opportunity Summary The Power Plant Operator at the Ferndale Generating Station is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of turbines, generators, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems. This role ...

NAES Corporation

Power Plant Operator

Ferndale, WA · On-site

Opportunity Summary The Power Plant Operator at the Ferndale Generating Station is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of turbines, generators, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems. This role ...

Airswift

Power Plant Operator

Gregory, TX · On-site

Vacancy Overview Power Plant Operator - Corpus Christi, TX Our client is seeking a Power Plant Operator to work within their facilities located in Corpus Christi, TX, for an initial one-year ...

Rhode Island College

Power Plant Operator

Providence, RI · On-site

$50K/yr

Position Overview The Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the College's central heating and power plant during an assigned shift. This position ...

Indeck Energy Services

Power Plant Operator

Olean, NY · On-site

$70K - $75K/yr

MUST BE ABLE TO WORK IN THE UNITED STATES WITHOUT EMPLOYER SUPPORT OR SPONSORSHIP Power Plant Operators & Military Vets w/ Electrical or Maintenance Experience Please Apply Indeck Energy Services is ...

Indeck Energy Services

Power Plant Operator

Tonawanda, NY · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Power Plant Operator * Indeck-Yerkes Facility * Tonawanda, NY, 14150 COME JOIN OUR TEAM! * Must be able to work in the United States without employer support or sponsorship. Indeck Energy Services is ...

St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO

$27.28 - $43.06/hr

As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by being responsible for operating ...

TXU Energy

Power Plant Operator

Milford, CT · On-site

All applicants must be a successful candidate on the Plant Operator Selection System/Power Plant Operations and Maintenance (POSS / MASS) program in order to be considered a candidate for this ...

St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$27.28 - $43.06/hr

As our Power Plant Operator at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood Colorado, you will help ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients, staff, and visitors by being responsible for operating ...

Vst

Power Plant Operator

Milford, CT · On-site

All applicants must be a successful candidate on the Plant Operator Selection System/Power Plant Operations and Maintenance (POSS / MASS) program in order to be considered a candidate for this ...

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Power Plant Operator information

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$20

$44

$63

How much do power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator in the United States is $44.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.05 and $58.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a Power Plant Operator worth it?

Power Plant Operators manage and control the systems that generate electricity, requiring technical skills and often certifications. The job offers stable employment with competitive wages, but it involves shift work and safety risks due to high-voltage equipment and hazardous environments.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Power plant operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; their salaries are usually lower, often ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2000 daily include specialized roles such as certain surgeons, corporate executives, or highly experienced consultants, but these are not related to power plant operations. Achieving such high daily earnings generally requires advanced skills, certifications, and significant experience in specialized fields.

What are Power Plant Operators?

Power Plant Operators are professionals responsible for controlling, monitoring, and maintaining the equipment that generates electric power in power plants. They ensure that the plant runs efficiently, safely, and within regulatory standards by adjusting controls, reading meters, and responding to abnormalities or emergencies. Their duties often include starting or stopping equipment, troubleshooting issues, and performing routine inspections and maintenance. Operators may work with a variety of energy sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, or renewable resources. This role requires technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work under pressure.

What does an operator do at a power plant?

A power plant operator controls and monitors the equipment that generates electricity, ensuring safe and efficient operation of turbines, generators, and other machinery. They perform routine inspections, respond to alarms, and maintain records, often working in shifts and requiring technical skills and certifications. Their role is essential for maintaining continuous power supply and safety standards.

What Does a Power Plant Operator Do?

As a power plant operator, your duties are to operate and maintain equipment that generates power and regulate these generators to control the output and storage of energy. You also manage the proper flow of electricity and voltage based on consumer demands. At a nuclear power plant, for example, you adjust control rods which generate power, and monitor the reactors, wind turbines, and cooling systems to ensure they operate within specified parameters. At a solar installation, your responsibilities are to monitor heat transfer and position and adjust solar panels or mirrors based on meteorological conditions.

What is the difference between Power Plant Operator vs Boiler Operator?

AspectPower Plant OperatorBoiler Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma; licensing or certification often requiredHigh school diploma; boiler operator license or certification often required
Work EnvironmentPower plants, generating electricity from various sourcesBoiler rooms, manufacturing plants, or power plants
Industry UsageElectricity generation, energy productionSteam generation, heating systems, industrial processes
Job FunctionsOperate and monitor power plant equipment to generate electricityOperate and maintain boilers to produce steam or heat

Both roles involve operating equipment in energy or industrial settings and require similar certifications. Power Plant Operators focus on electricity generation, while Boiler Operators primarily manage steam and heating systems. The choice depends on the specific industry and equipment involved.

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

To thrive as a Power Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, operational procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring further technical training or certification. Familiarity with control systems, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) software, and safety protocols is critical for daily operations. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top operators apart. These competencies are essential to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable generation of power in compliance with regulatory standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Power Plant Operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Power Plant Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unexpected equipment malfunctions, responding to alarms quickly, and maintaining focus during long shifts, including nights and weekends. New hires can prepare by gaining a solid understanding of plant systems, actively participating in on-the-job training, and developing strong communication skills to coordinate with maintenance and engineering teams. Staying vigilant, adhering to safety protocols, and asking questions when unsure can help new operators adapt more efficiently to the demanding environment.

What is the highest salary for a plant operator?

Power plant operators can earn high salaries, with the top earners making over $100,000 annually, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-demand regions. Factors such as certifications, shift work, and the complexity of the plant can influence salary levels.
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Power Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,004 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Power Plant Operator

Power Plant Operator

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

Bethel, AK • On-site

$22.76/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative is looking for a Power Plant Operator in Bethel, Alaska. If you are reliable, dependable, and capable of working with minimum supervision then you will be a great addition to the team in Bethel.

Alaska Village Electric Cooperative (AVEC) stands as a unique electric generation and distribution cooperative, serving 59 communities across Alaska. Our operation spans 46 small, isolated grids relying on a mix of diesel, wind, and solar generation to power 11,513 meters and maintain 515 miles of distribution line.

As a Power Plant Operator you are responsible for the safe operation of the village plant and will be completing housekeeping, plant checks, plant log reporting, and system inspections and maintenance. A typical day for the Power Plant Operator will include reading meters as directed by AVEC representatives, maintaining logs, conducting and verifying inventory levels, maintenance and upkeep of batteries, bus voltage, radiators, fire suppression system, engines and other equipment located at the plant facility.

Rewards: The Power Plant Operator starts at $22.76 per hour. The Cooperative offers an excellent benefit package to include an employer-paid pension plan, 401K with an employer match, generous leave starting at 14 hours per month, two different health insurance plans, vision, dental, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance.

Ready to power Alaska's future?

The next step is to complete our short online application.

AVEC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can shine as brightly as the Northern Lights.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro