Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $78,620/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +2.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 3,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
• Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.
• Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
• Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
• Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
• Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.
• Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
The median pay for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators is $78,620 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
Employment for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators is projected to change +2.2% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
About 3,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.