How to become a power engineer or power systems operator
Official title: Power engineers and power systems operators
Also called: Power engineer, Steam operator, Boiler operator, Power dispatcher, Powerhouse operator, Stationary engineer, Substation operator, Boilerhouse operator, Power plant operator, Steam plant operator, Power system operator, Thermal plant operator
Power engineers operate and maintain reactors, turbines, boilers, generators, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment to generate electrical power and to provide heat, light, refrigeration and other utility services for commercial, institutional and industrial buildings and other work sites. Power systems operators monitor and operate switchboards and related equipment in electrical control centres to control the distribution of electrical power in transmission networks. They are employed by power generation plants, electrical power utilities, manufacturing plants, hospitals, universities and government and commercial establishments. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Power engineers
- Operate automated or computerized control systems, stationary engines and auxiliary equipment such as reactors, boilers, turbines, generators, pumps, compressors, pollution control devices and other equipment to generate electrical power and to provide light, heat, ventilation and refrigeration for buildings, industrial plants and other work sites
- Start up and shut down power plant equipment, control switching operations, regulate water levels and communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate transmission loads, frequency and line voltages
- Monitor and inspect plant equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, meters and other instruments to measure temperature, pressure and fuel flow to detect leaks or other equipment malfunctions and to ensure plant equipment is operating at maximum efficiency
- Analyze and record instrument readings and equipment malfunctions
- Troubleshoot and perform corrective action and minor repairs to prevent equipment or system failure
- Respond to emergency situations if required
- Clean and lubricate generators, turbines, pumps and compressors and perform other routine equipment maintenance duties using appropriate lubricants and hand, power and precision tools
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Power engineers require a college training program in power engineering and several years of work experience. An exam is mandatory to move from one class to the other. Power engineers require a provincial or territorial power engineering certificate according to class. There are five classes in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia while there are four classes in Newfoundland/Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut territories. Power systems operators require completion of a three- to five-year power system operator apprenticeship program or over three years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in electrical and electronic technology. Trade certification is available, but voluntary for power systems operators in Newfoundland and Labrador. Trade certification is available, but voluntary for power engineers in Nova Scotia. Control room operators at nuclear power plants require licensing from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship. Power systems operators require completion of a three- to five-year power system operator apprenticeship program or over three years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in electrical and electronic technology. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
- Licence or registration: Control room operators at nuclear power plants require licensing from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $95,999 a year The middle half earn $73,125 to $122,850.
- About 27,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 28,300 are projected by 2033. (+2.5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
Not sure this is for you? Take the 2-minute career quiz
Questions people ask
How do I become a power engineer or power systems operator?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Power engineers require a college training program in power engineering and several years of work experience. An exam is mandatory to move from one class to the other. Power engineers require a provincial or territorial power engineering certificate according to class. There are five classes in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia while there are four classes in Newfoundland/Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut territories. Power systems operators require completion of a three- to five-year power system operator apprenticeship program or over three years of work experience in the trade and some college or industry courses in electrical and electronic technology. Trade certification is available, but voluntary for power systems operators in Newfoundland and Labrador. Trade certification is available, but voluntary for power engineers in Nova Scotia. Control room operators at nuclear power plants require licensing from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
How much does a power engineer or power systems operator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $95,999 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $73,125 to $122,850.
Is a power engineer or power systems operator a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2033, from about 27,600 to about 28,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a power engineer or power systems operator?
Usually not. Only 13% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Apprenticeship.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03