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Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$27.28 - $43.06/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities 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 ...

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

$69.15/hr

You will serve as a journey level Power Plant Operator at a hydroelectric facility whose principal assignment is operation of the powerhouse. The powerhouse consists of 27 main generators, 2 station ...

St Anthony Hospital

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO

$27.28 - $43.06/hr

Job Summary and Responsibilities 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 ...

City of Pasadena

Power Plant Operator

Pasadena, CA

$101K - $120K/yr

The Pasadena Water and Power Department is seeking a Power Plant Operator to perform journey-level duties in the safe and efficient operation of simple and combined cycle gas turbines, main and ...

Open Mountain Energy

Power Plant Operator

Winnemucca, NV · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

... power plants. Geothermal energy experience a plus, however, excellent work ethic, reliability ... Used prescribed plant operating procedures to conduct efficient and effective plant uptime while ...

Rahr Malting Co

Power Plant Operator

Shakopee, MN · On-site

$38 - $42/hr

Koda Energy/RahrBSG is looking for a Power Plant Operator to join out team in Shakopee, Minnesota. The Plant Operator is a shift lead position that is responsible for the safe, efficient, and ...

Vst

Power Plant Operator

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$43 - $49/hr

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 ...

TXU Energy

Power Plant Operator

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$43 - $49/hr

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 ...

Vistra Energy

Power Plant Operator

Bellingham, WA · On-site

$43 - $49/hr

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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$63

How much do power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 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.

What is a power plant operator?

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 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 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.

How hard is it to become a power plant operator?

Becoming a power plant operator typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship that can last several years. Operators often need to obtain certifications such as a license from the relevant regulatory agency, and strong technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in shifts are important for success in this role.

What does a power plant operator do at a power plant?

A power plant operator controls and monitors the equipment that generates electricity, ensuring the plant runs efficiently and safely. They start and stop machinery, adjust controls, perform routine inspections, and respond to alarms or issues, often working with control panels and requiring technical knowledge of plant systems. Certification and adherence to safety protocols are essential in this role.
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Power Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,004 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Power Plant Operator

Lakewood, CO • On-site

St Anthony Hospital
Health Care and Social Assistance • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about St Anthony Hospitalexternal

$27.28 - $43.06/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

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, maintaining, and repairing the equipment that provides power, heating, cooling, and ventilation to a hospital facility.

Every day you will operate power systems, provide routine maintenance and inspections, and conduct regular inspections. You will be expected to monitor and track energy usage, and follow safety protocols.  

To be successful in this role, you must use your problem solving abilities to diagnose and fix mechanical failures, and your attention to detail to monitor complex systems and detect issues before they escalate. As a Power Plant Operator, you are essential to keeping the hospital operational 24/7.

  • Performs routine maintenance, lubrication, cleaning of boilers, chillers and all central plant equipment. 
  • Maintains the mechanical equipment such as engines, compressors, generators, pumps and steam boilers during the respective shifts.
  • Read and interpret blueprints and schematics.

15% PRN differential applies for this role!

Job Requirements

Required

  • High School Diploma/G.E.D.

Preferred

  • Certified Stationary Engineer
  • Underground Storage Tank Op A or B
  • Two (2) years of power plant operator experience
  •  
Where You'll Work

At CommonSpirit Mountain Region, we believe in the healing power of humanity and serving the common good through our dedicated work and shared mission to celebrate humankindness. 

Located in Lakewood, Colorado, St. Anthony Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center where we provide a full range of medical specialties and health care services to Denver and the surrounding region through our state-of-the-art medical campus and home base for Flight For Life® Colorado. With four trauma rooms including the T-10 room, a dedicated field-to-surgery suite ready 24/7 for trauma surgeons and specially trained teams, our staff can provide life-saving care to the most severely ill and injured patients. In 2023, we received our exciting Magnet® designation! We are so proud of our staff for this achievement, which is awarded to only 10 percent of hospitals around the world.  Numerous other awards, certifications, and accreditations have been granted to us from the American Heart Association; Chest Pain Center (CPC); American College of Cardiology; The Joint Commission’s National Quality Approval; the Emergency Nurses Association Lantern Award; NAPBC Accreditation; American College of Radiology and many others.

At St. Anthony Hospital. we combine a heritage of expert care with the latest in technology and innovation. If you’re looking to be part of a fast-paced environment where you can practice to the top of your profession in trauma, cardiology, stroke, neurosciences, breast imaging, cancer/oncology care, surgery and more, we invite you to apply.

Qualifications:

Required

  • High School Diploma/G.E.D.

Preferred

  • Certified Stationary Engineer
  • Underground Storage Tank Op A or B
  • Two (2) years of power plant operator experience
  •  
Employment Type: PRN

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