What is 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.
Daily Life Of a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
- Investigate and report on accidents.
- Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.
- Install burners and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools.
- Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work.
- Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools.
- Ignite fuel in burners, using torches or flames.
Featured schools near , edit
Qualities of a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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
- Exhaust Worker
- Maintenance Technician
- Steam Engineer
- Humidifier Attendant
- Boiler Room Helper
Job Demand for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
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. The BLS estimates 3,900 yearly job openings in this field.

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 salary for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators ranges between about $36,550 and $96,660 a year.

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators who work in Illinois, California, or District of Columbia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators in different U.S. states.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators may use on a daily basis:
- 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.

What work experience do I need to become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator?

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Sector

The table below shows the approximate number of Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators employed by various industries.

Similar Careers
Those who work as a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
- Electricians
- Boilermakers
- Geological Sample Test Technicians
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |