Life As a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
Occupation Description Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment, such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
A Day in the Life of a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
- Perform or arrange for repairs, such as complete overhauls, replacement of defective valves, gaskets, or bearings, or fabrication of new parts.
- Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.
- Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work.
- Install burners and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools.
- Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system or industrial processes.
- Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
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Skills Needed to be a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
Below is a list of the skills most Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators say are important on the job.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Other Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Job Titles
- Boiler Operator
- Low Pressure Firer
- Diesel Engine Operator
- Turbo Operator
- Humidifier Attendant
What Kind of Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 35,700 jobs in the United States for Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,800 new jobs for Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,900 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator are Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Make?
The typical yearly salary for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators is somewhere between $36,550 and $96,660.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators who work in Illinois, California, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
How much do Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $47,500 |
| Alaska | $69,120 |
| Arizona | $53,470 |
| Arkansas | $46,780 |
| California | $84,160 |
| Colorado | $60,710 |
| Connecticut | $64,930 |
| Delaware | $63,430 |
| District of Columbia | $77,800 |
| Florida | $54,790 |
| Georgia | $58,540 |
| Idaho | $50,650 |
| Illinois | $81,650 |
| Indiana | $52,220 |
| Iowa | $55,100 |
| Kansas | $53,940 |
| Kentucky | $41,570 |
| Louisiana | $49,090 |
| Maine | $49,580 |
| Maryland | $61,830 |
| Massachusetts | $63,580 |
| Michigan | $63,060 |
| Minnesota | $59,870 |
| Mississippi | $48,070 |
| Missouri | $52,160 |
| Montana | $56,960 |
| Nebraska | $48,390 |
| New Hampshire | $60,970 |
| New Jersey | $58,990 |
| New Mexico | $50,050 |
| New York | $77,570 |
| North Carolina | $43,870 |
| North Dakota | $59,590 |
| Ohio | $58,490 |
| Oklahoma | $55,080 |
| Oregon | $60,200 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,590 |
| Rhode Island | $56,470 |
| South Carolina | $44,710 |
| South Dakota | $46,200 |
| Tennessee | $61,680 |
| Texas | $51,060 |
| Utah | $59,220 |
| Vermont | $45,510 |
| Virginia | $53,110 |
| Washington | $70,180 |
| West Virginia | $48,280 |
| Wisconsin | $57,400 |
| Wyoming | $68,170 |
What Tools & Technology do Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Data entry software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Spreadsheet software
- Database software
- Graphics software
- Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
- Statistical software
- Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
How do I Become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator?
Learn what Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Are you already one of the many Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
- Electricians
- Boilermakers
- Geological Sample Test Technicians
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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