Hydroelectric Plant Technicians in Virginia
Considering working as a Hydroelectric Plant Technicians in Virginia? Here’s what the data says. Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators. Excludes “Nuclear Power Reactor Operators” (51-8011).
What do Hydroelectric Plant Technicians Make in Virginia?
For a hydroelectric plant technicians working in Virginia, wages run about $78,460 per year (or roughly $37.72/hour).Pay can range from $52,200 at the 10th percentile to $105,420 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,200 | $25.10 |
| 25th percentile | $64,700 | $31.11 |
| Median (50th) | $78,460 | $37.72 |
| 75th percentile | $92,530 | $44.49 |
| 90th percentile | $105,420 | $50.68 |
The job concentration index in Virginia compared to the national average — is 0.91.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, hydroelectric plant technicians earn a median of $52,705 per year ($25.34/hour), higher than the Virginia median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 267,459 hydroelectric plant technicians across the United States. In Virginia alone, approximately 730 people work in this role. That puts the state above the typical state, which employs around 450 hydroelectric plant technicians.
Top Virginia Metros for Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
These are the Virginia metros with the most hydroelectric plant technicians in Virginia.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | 130 | $67,210 |
| Richmond, VA | 100 | n/a |
Top States for Hydroelectric Plant Technicians Employment
View the states that employ the most hydroelectric 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 Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
The highest-paying states for hydroelectric 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
The most important hydroelectric 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
Top abilities for hydroelectric plant technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specifications, as necessary.
- Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
- Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants.
- Perform preventive or corrective containment or cleanup measures in hydroelectric plants to prevent environmental contamination.
- Inspect water-powered electric generators or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric plants to verify proper operation or to determine maintenance or repair needs.
- Communicate status of hydroelectric operating equipment to dispatchers or supervisors.
- Operate high voltage switches or related devices in hydropower stations.
- Operate hydroelectric plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, or battery banks.
- Maintain or repair hydroelectric plant electrical, mechanical, or electronic equipment, such as motors, transformers, voltage regulators, generators, relays, battery systems, air compressors, sump pumps, gates, or valves.
- Implement load or switching orders in hydroelectric plants, in accordance with specifications or instructions.
- Install or calibrate electrical or mechanical equipment, such as motors, engines, switchboards, relays, switch gears, meters, pumps, hydraulics, or flood channels.
- Change oil, hydraulic fluid, or other lubricants to maintain condition of hydroelectric plant equipment.
Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Getting Information
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Handling and Moving Objects
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
- Energy Systems Technologies/Technicians
Featured schools near , edit
Related Careers
Careers similar to hydroelectric plant technicians include:
- Geothermal Production Managers
- Biomass Power Plant Managers
- Hydroelectric Production Managers
- Wind Energy Engineers
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Also Known As
Communications and Instrumentation Mechanic (C and I Mechanic), Hydro Mechanic, Hydro Operator, Hydro Plant Technician (Hydro Plant Tech), Hydro Technician (Hydro Tech), Hydroelectric Machinery Mechanic, Hydroelectric Mechanic, Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Technician (Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Tech), Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Worker, Hydroelectric Operations and Maintenance Technician (Hydro O and M Technician), Hydroelectric Operator, Hydroelectric Plant Electrician, Hydroelectric Plant Installation Technician (Hydroelectric Plant Installation Tech), Hydroelectric Plant Mechanic, Hydroelectric Plant Operations and Maintenance Technician (Hydroelectric Plant O and M Tech).
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: 51-8013.04
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