Life As a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Definition 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
- Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.
- Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely.
- Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
- 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.
- Fire coal furnaces by hand or with stokers and gas- or oil-fed boilers, using automatic gas feeds or oil pumps.
What a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Should Know
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Water Pumper
- Refrigeration Engineer
- Boiler Room Operator
- Powerhouse Tender
- Marine Firer
Are There Job Opportunities for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
In the United States, there were 35,700 jobs for Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator in 2016. 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. There will be an estimated 3,900 positions for Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator per 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.
Salary for a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
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.
How much do Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators make 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 |
What Tools do Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Use?
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?
What education is needed to be a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator?
Where Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Work
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.
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