What is a 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.
List of Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Job Duties
- Operate mechanical hoppers and provide assistance in their adjustment and repair.
- Develop operation, safety, and maintenance procedures or assist in their development.
- Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.
- Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools.
- Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes.
- Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
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Skills Needed to be a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
These are the skills Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Types of Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator Jobs
- Boiler Technician
- Steam Plant Operator
- Steam Engineer
- Utilities Operator
- Pumping Station Engineer
Are There Job Opportunities for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
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. 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.
Average Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators 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.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
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?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator?

Who Employs Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?

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

You May Also Be Interested In…
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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