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Power Plant Operators Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$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 ...

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 ...

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How much do power plant operators jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant operators in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectPower Plant OperatorsBoiler Operators
CertificationsTypically require a high school diploma and may need state licensing or certificationsRequire high school diploma and boiler operator license or certification
Work EnvironmentOperate and control power generation equipment in power plantsOperate and maintain boilers in various facilities like factories or power plants
Industry UsageCommonly employed in electric power generation facilitiesFound in industrial plants, heating plants, and some power plants

Power Plant Operators and Boiler Operators share similar certifications and work environments, often within the energy and industrial sectors. While Power Plant Operators focus on managing entire power generation systems, Boiler Operators specifically control boilers used for heating or power. Both roles require technical skills and safety knowledge, but their specific responsibilities differ based on the equipment they operate.

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 technical school. Many operators also obtain certifications or licenses, such as a state license, which can involve passing exams and gaining experience, making the process moderately challenging depending on individual background and training opportunities.

How to get hired as a power plant operator?

To become a power plant operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or technical school programs. Many employers require relevant certifications, such as a state license or operator certification, and strong technical skills in machinery and control systems are essential. Prior experience in industrial or mechanical work can also improve job prospects.
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What cities are hiring for Power Plant Operators jobs?

Cities with the most Power Plant Operators job openings:

What states have the most Power Plant Operators jobs?

States with the most job openings for Power Plant Operators jobs include:

Infographic showing various Power Plant Operators 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 $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Power Plant Technician/Control Room Operator

Blackstone, MA • On-site

Orion Talent
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 201 - 500 employees

$38/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Description
The Power Plant Technician / Control Room Operator is responsible for safely operating, monitoring, troubleshooting, and maintaining power plant systems to ensure reliable electricity generation. This role supports plant start-ups, shutdowns, preventive maintenance, emergency response, environmental compliance, and equipment reliability while working in a fast-paced combined-cycle power generation environment.
This position is ideal for experienced power plant operators, military power generation specialists, nuclear operators, boiler operators, or industrial maintenance professionals who thrive in highly technical environments and enjoy operating critical infrastructure.
Must-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • Minimum 6 years of related power generation or industrial operations experience.
  • Massachusetts 2nd Class Engineer's License preferred (or equivalent state-recognized operating license where applicable).
  • Experience operating steam vessels rated at 150 HP or greater.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Power plant operations
    • Mechanical systems
    • Electrical systems
    • Plant instrumentation and controls
  • Experience performing equipment startup, shutdown, and normal operating procedures.
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to successfully complete the POSS/MASS (Plant Operator Selection System / Power Plant Operations & Maintenance) assessment.
  • Ability to read instrumentation, gauges, control systems, and computer-generated operating data.

Requirements:
  • Operate, monitor, and maintain power plant equipment and systems during normal and abnormal operating conditions.
  • Perform startup, shutdown, and routine operating procedures.
  • Respond to alarms and abnormal operating conditions using established operating procedures.
  • Perform electrical switching, tagging, and lockout/tagout activities.
  • Conduct preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on mechanical and electrical equipment.
  • Perform routine cycle chemistry testing and adjust operating parameters as necessary.
  • Maintain operating logs, environmental records, and maintenance documentation.
  • Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document maintenance activities.
  • Support plant housekeeping and maintain a safe work environment.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental permits and all safety regulations.
  • Support continuous improvement and complete additional duties as assigned.

Nice-to-Have Skills, Experience, and Education:
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts 2nd Class Engineer's License.
  • Military experience in:
    • Navy Nuclear Power
    • Army Prime Power
    • Power Generation
    • Utilities
    • Stationary Engineer
  • Combined-cycle or fossil power plant experience.
  • Experience with CMMS systems.
  • Knowledge of plant chemistry programs.
  • Experience with electrical switching and lockout/tagout procedures.