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Power Plant Operator Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Greenbush Logistics Inc

Plant Mechanic

Conyers, GA · On-site

Assemble and install equipment using hand tools and power tools. Move equipment using hoists ... Adjust operating mechanisms. Determines the extent of corrective action and repair parts required ...

Greenbush Logistics, Inc.

Plant Mechanic

Conyers, GA · On-site

Assemble and install equipment using hand tools and power tools. Move equipment using hoists ... Adjust operating mechanisms. Determines the extent of corrective action and repair parts required ...

Inframark

Wastewater Plant Manager

Roswell, GA · On-site

Ensuring that prescribed schedules and operating policies and procedures are followed. * Making ... Evaluates processes and power consumption for use in short- and long-term planning. * Coordinates ...

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All JobsPower Plant Operator JobsPower Plant Operator Jobs in Decatur, GA

Power Plant Operator information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$19

$43

$61

How much do power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator in Decatur, GA is $43.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.33 and $57.26 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.
More about Power Plant Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, GA? For Power Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Power Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Power Plant Operator jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Power Plant Operator jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Power Plant Operator job openings:
Power Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator job openings in Decatur, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,803 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Senior Mechanical Engineer 1 - Nuclear

Sargent & Lundy

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$84K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Description
WORK LOCATION: This position is based on a hybrid work schedule and will require in-office work 3 days per week at the Sargent & Lundy office in Peachtree Corners, GA.
You will be involved in nuclear power plant systems design, including preparation or review of:
  • Modification packages for operating nuclear power plants
  • Functional mechanical drawings and/or drawings for nuclear power plant systems
  • Engineering analyses and evaluations to support modifications and operation of plant systems
  • Technical specifications and procurement documents for plant equipment
  • Vendor bid evaluations for plant equipment
  • Studies and options evaluations for modifications to operating nuclear power plants

In addition, you will have the opportunity to:
  • Develop engineering cost estimates for small to mid-sized client-requested work scopes
  • Visit client office and/or plant site locations to interface with the client and make presentations related to engineering tasks and status
  • Lead engineering project teams

Qualifications
We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.
  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or Chemical Engineering from an ABET accredited program
  • 5 or more years of experience in the nuclear power industry
  • Working knowledge of codes, standards, and regulations that apply to mechanical engineering design of power plants
  • PE license is preferred

AI & Automation at Sargent & Lundy
In this role, we expect people to be willing or able to lead others who use modern tools:
  • You are expected to lead others in taking engineering problems from issue to solution by setting expectations for using data and modern tools such as automation and AI to improve workflows, reduce rework, and deliver cost-effective designs.
  • Leaders in these roles often direct automation and process-improvement work, for example, how teams automate calculations, summarize technical documents, or generate design documentation and guiding when and how AI or agentic AI tools are used while ensuring results are checked.
  • Overseeing engineers who program or script (e.g., Python, MATLAB, advanced Excel) to automate engineering tasks, with review of automated outputs, is valued but not required.
  • We also value additional learning, such as a minor, certificate, or other experience in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, or related fields that enables effective oversight of automation and agentic AI-enabled engineering workflows.

Award-Winning Benefits
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance
  • Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
  • Life & Accident Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Back-Up Daycare
  • FSA & HSA
  • 401(k)
  • Pre-Tax Commuter Account
  • Merit Scholarship Program
  • Employee Discount Program
  • Corporate Charitable Giving Program
  • Tuition Assistance
  • First Professional Licensure Bonus
  • Employee Referral Bonus
  • Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Flexible Work Arrangements

Compensation Range
$84,762 - $129,498
Transparency Statement
Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.
About This Business Unit
Join Sargent & Lundy's Nuclear Power Group and be part of a team driving the future of clean, carbon-free energy. Since 1954, we've been a trusted leader in nuclear engineering, design, and licensing, with expertise spanning small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor technology (ART), and first-of-a-kind commercial reactor restart projects. Our work supports life extensions and digital modernization of existing nuclear plants, coal-to-nuclear conversion initiatives with the Department of State, and international nuclear new-build projects. With a commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, we provide cutting-edge solutions that power communities worldwide while reducing emissions. Shape the future of global energy with us!
Awards & Recognition
Equal Opportunity
Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.
Sargent & Lundy logo

About Sargent & Lundy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sargent & Lundy is one of the most experienced full-service architect-engineering firms in the world. Founded in 1891, the firm is a global leader in power and energy with expertise in grid modernization, renewable energy, energy storage, nuclear power, and fossil fuels. Sargent & Lundy delivers comprehensive project services--from consulting, design and implementation to construction management, commissioning and operations/maintenance--with an emphasis on quality and safety. The firm serves public and private sector clients in the power and energy, gas distribution, industrial, and government sectors.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1891

Social media

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