What Do Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Do?
Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Job 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.
Life As a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
- Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system or industrial processes.
- Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
- Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools.
- Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work.
- Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.
- Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
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Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Required Skills
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.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
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.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Related Job Titles
- Boiler Technician
- Tank Farm Operator
- Refrigerating Engineer
- Boiler Plant Operator
- Ventilation Worker
What Kind of Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Job Opportunities Are There?
There were about 35,700 jobs for Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Salary
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 |
What Tools 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 to Become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
What kind of Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator requirements are there?

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

Where Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators work:

Related Careers
Career changers with experience as a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Electricians
- Boilermakers
- Geological Sample Test Technicians
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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