Biomass Plant Technicians in Washington
Considering working as a Biomass Plant Technicians in Washington? Here’s what you need to know. Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators. Excludes “Nuclear Power Reactor Operators” (51-8011).
What do Biomass Plant Technicians Make in Washington?
The biomass plant technicians working in Washington, the median annual wage is $124,050 per year (or about $59.64/hour).Earnings range from $81,220 at the 10th percentile to $157,150 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,220 | $39.05 |
| 25th percentile | $102,130 | $49.10 |
| Median (50th) | $124,050 | $59.64 |
| 75th percentile | $138,830 | $66.74 |
| 90th percentile | $157,150 | $75.55 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in Washington nationwide is 0.80, meaning fewer biomass plant technicians per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, biomass plant technicians earn a median of $56,327 per year ($27.08/hour), above the Washington median.
Employment Outlook
National employment for 56,489 biomass plant technicians across the United States. In Washington alone, approximately 570 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 450 biomass plant technicians.
Top Washington Metros for Biomass Plant Technicians
The metro areas below employ the most biomass plant technicians in Washington.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 140 | $133,460 |
| Longview-Kelso, WA | 60 | $95,500 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | 60 | $108,460 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | 50 | $140,800 |
Top States for Biomass Plant Technicians Employment
View the states that employ the most biomass plant technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| California | 2,390 |
| New York | 2,350 |
| Texas | 1,880 |
| Illinois | 1,630 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,380 |
| Florida | 1,330 |
| Michigan | 1,200 |
| Massachusetts | 1,060 |
| Indiana | 900 |
| Arizona | 890 |
| South Carolina | 850 |
| Missouri | 760 |
| Alaska | 750 |
| Alabama | 730 |
| Virginia | 730 |
| Minnesota | 710 |
| Wisconsin | 660 |
| Ohio | 630 |
| Oklahoma | 600 |
| Washington | 570 |
Highest-Paying States for Biomass Plant Technicians
Where biomass plant technicians earn the most: biomass plant technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $124,050 |
| New York | $121,760 |
| Hawaii | $115,190 |
| Oregon | $114,500 |
| New Jersey | $109,970 |
| North Dakota | $109,340 |
| Tennessee | $107,380 |
| Arizona | $107,210 |
| Nevada | $106,990 |
| Maryland | $106,300 |
Skills
Top biomass plant technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
The abilities that matter most for biomass plant technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Day-to-day, biomass plant technicians typically:
- Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
- Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers.
- Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
- Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.
- Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.
- Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
- Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.
- Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power.
- Calculate, measure, load, or mix biomass feedstock for power generation.
- Clean work areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Perform routine maintenance or make minor repairs to mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment in biomass plants.
- Measure and monitor raw biomass feedstock, including wood, waste, or refuse materials.
Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Getting Information
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Analyzing Data or Information
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Training and Teaching Others
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Programs that train for this career include:
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
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Related Careers
Related occupations to biomass plant technicians include:
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Biofuels Production Managers
- Biomass Power Plant Managers
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
- Chemical Engineers
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Also Known As
Auxiliary Operator, Biomass Boiler Operator, Biomass Plant Operator, Biomass Plant Technician, Central Heating Plant Operator, Centrifugal Chiller Technician, Chiller Operator, Chiller Technician, Fuel Handler, Fuel Quality Technician (Fuel Quality Tech), Heating Plant Operator, Operations Technician (Operations Tech), Plant Operator, Plant Technician, Steam Plant Operator.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 51-8013.03
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