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.
SOC: 51-8021.00
Common Job Titles
Boiler Operator
Operating Engineer
Stationary Engineer
Utilities Operator
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
Hands-onOperate steam boilers, generators, turbines, and stationary engines in industrial or building utility settings, monitoring performance indicators continuously.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform preventive and corrective maintenance on mechanical equipment following manufacturer specifications and safety protocols, working independently.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute systematic inspections of boilers, engines, and auxiliary equipment following regulatory compliance standards and recording findings in maintenance logs.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess water chemistry, combustion efficiency, and system pressure readings using hydrometers, pH indicators, and combustion analyzers to ensure optimal boiler operation.
Proficient
KnowledgeDiagnose mechanical and control system failures applying knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic principles under time-critical conditions.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate safety compliance and equipment integrity conducting hazard assessments and ensuring adherence to public safety regulations.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate teamwork and communication practices with technical operations coordinating with maintenance teams, supervisors, and facility personnel during routine and emergency situations.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate continuous improvement and proactive equipment maintenance training junior operators and documenting best practices for operational excellence.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze equipment performance data and operational parameters using digital multimeters, pressure gauges, and computerized monitoring systems to identify malfunctions.
Developing
Hands-onManipulate programmable logic controllers and building management systems to adjust operational parameters and optimize energy efficiency in facility operations.
Developing
KnowledgeApply troubleshooting protocols and repair techniques using hand and power tools to restore equipment functionality with minimal downtime.
Developing
KnowledgeOrganize preventive maintenance schedules and work priorities balancing routine tasks with emergency repairs in dynamic facility environments.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
30,780
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $47,310. 25th percentile: U.S. $60,110. 50th percentile: U.S. $75,190. 75th percentile: U.S. $96,420. 90th percentile: U.S. $121,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$47,310
10% of workers earn the following or more
$121,200
Workers on average earn
$79,710
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Mechanical4.1/5
Chemistry3.4/5
Public Safety and Security3.3/5
Physics3.2/5
Engineering and Technology3.2/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
