1

Power Plant Operator Jobs in Rochester, MN (NOW HIRING)

Drill Press Operator

Stewartville, MN · On-site

$21.25 - $26.50/hr

Will also help in any other area of the department or plant as needed. Available Shifts: Week Days ... Work with or around power tools, loud equipment and chemicals. Lift up to 50 pounds regularly and ...

Forklift Operator

Lake City, MN

$17.50 - $20.75/hr

Forklift Operators also Power-Sort pallets by hand as part of their daily responsibilities in some locations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The forklift operator is responsible for making ...

New

We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving production and ... operating procedures are followed during production process • Maintains cleanliness and ...

We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving production and ... operating procedures are followed during production process • Maintains cleanliness and ...

We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving production and ... standard operating procedures are followed during production process Maintains cleanliness and ...

We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving production and ... operating procedures are followed during production process • Maintains cleanliness and ...

We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving production and ... standard operating procedures are followed during production process Maintains cleanliness and ...

We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving production and ... operating procedures are followed during production process • Maintains cleanliness and ...

Production Operator Part-Time Pay: $24.32 per hour Shift & Working Hours: Monday - Friday between 5 ... We believe there's power in every drop of milk our farmers produce, and by improving production and ...

Arborist

Rochester, MN

$28.46 - $36.93/hr

Plant, prune, remove, chemically treat, and provide general care of trees and shrubs. Operate hand ... and power tools, saws, light and medium duty equipment, and various other grounds & tree ...

Arborist

Rochester, MN · On-site

$28.46 - $36.93/hr

Plant, prune, remove, chemically treat, and provide general care of trees and shrubs. * Operate ... and power tools, saws, light and medium duty equipment, and various other grounds & tree ...

Senior CAD Operator - Conveyors

Rochester, MN · On-site

$28.83 - $43.25/hr

Develop and update 2D plant layouts using AutoCAD while coordinating with internal teams and ... From stadiums to manufacturing facilities, power plants to hospitals, concert halls to classrooms ...

Paint Booth Lead- Weekends

Stewartville, MN · On-site

$24.25 - $30/hr

The Paint Booth Lead will also help in any other area of the plant as needed. Shifts Available ... Work with or around power tools, loud equipment and chemicals. Lift up to 50 pounds regularly and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Power Plant Operator information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$20

$45

$64

How much do power plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operator in Rochester, MN is $45.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.53 and $59.62 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.
What cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Power Plant Operator jobs? Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Power Plant Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Power Plant Operator job openings in Rochester, MN as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $94,538 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Drill Press Operator

Geotek LLC

Stewartville, MN • On-site

$21.25 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Description
***$3,500 Sign-On bonus for weekends***
***$5,000 Sign-On bonus for weeknights***
The Drill Operator is responsible for the accurate counting, drilling and set-up of the drills. Will also help in any other area of the department or plant as needed.
Available Shifts:
Week Days | Monday - Thursday | 5:00AM - 3:30PM (can run later pending mandatory overtime)
Weekend Days | Friday - Sunday | 5:00AM-5:30 PM (4 bonus hours if you work all 36 hours scheduled)
Weekend Nights | Friday-Sunday | 5:00PM-5:30AM (4 bonus hours if you work all 36 hours scheduled)
Compensation:
GEOTEK's compensation model is skill-based, and starting pay levels are determined by previous experience and transferable skills. The range for this position breaks down as follows:
Level 1: $21.25Level 2: $21.25 - $23.50 Level 3: $23.50 - $25.00Level 4: $25.00 - $26.50
Hiring manager will determine pay level based off experience, skillset, and knowledge.
Job Description:
  • Drills the necessary parts that the work orders call out in a timely manner
  • Completes total drill set-up, including setting drills, adjusting motors & drills, and computer setting & calibration
  • Keeps workstation and surrounding area clean
  • Records the necessary information on the work orders and turns them in daily
  • Counts all parts before drilling to make sure that we do not over- or under-drill orders
  • Checks all drill set-ups for accuracy
  • Checks all parts when completed
  • Coordinates the material from the warehouse to the area with Material Handlers
  • Assists in the training of new employees
  • Acts as a champion for safety by demonstrating and ensuring that all safety rules are being followed
  • Reports to work prepared and on time
  • Supports the Mission of the organization and adheres to all company policies
  • Performs other duties as directed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Must be mechanically inclined and proficient at reading a tape measure
  • Ability to properly prioritize and pay close attention to details
  • Able to read and write the English language
  • Able to work and lead with minimal to no supervision
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, teamwork and problem solving skills are essential
  • Strong emphasis on quality, productivity, communication, and safety

Physical Work Conditions:Position is located on the production floor, standing for up to 12 hours a day. Work with or around power tools, loud equipment and chemicals. Lift up to 50 pounds regularly and 75 pounds with assistance occasionally.
Who We Are:
For over 30 years, GEOTEK has been internationally recognized for industry leading composite technologies, engineering, and service. The company has grown PUPI® into the leading global provider of fiberglass crossarms and is committed to adding and developing other market-leading composite brands for the world's infrastructure. The company was founded in 1990 to manufacture and market Common Sense Fencing and other pultruded fiberglass products. Early on GEOTEK also began producing utility composite crossarms for Pultruded Utility Products, Inc., a company it acquired in 2000 and renamed Pultruded Utility Products International (PUPI) to reflect the global opportunity for these products. PUPI (pronounced "puppy") is a brand of GEOTEK. Using proprietary processes and several patented inventions, GEOTEK manufactures and distributes engineered fiberglass composites that are used by the transmission and distribution power lines and substations. The company is well positioned for sustained growth and profitability through market expansion and new product offerings.
Our Purpose
As the global leader in composite crossarms, we aim to broaden our engineered composite products in infrastructure applications with light poles and beyond.
Mission
Enhance the world's infrastructure with engineered composite products.
Vision
Develop, acquire, and grow respected composite product brands; where each product line delivers market-leading reliability, performance, and value to global infrastructure customers.
Values
"TRUE Values"
  • TEAM -we before me
  • RELIABLE -every day in every way
  • URGENT -the drive to do
  • ENTERPRISING -be curious

Learn more at GEOTEK.com
#LI-TG1 #INDEED