How to become a Boiler or Engine Operator

Operates and maintains stationary engines, boilers, refrigeration and air conditioning systems, and associated mechanical plant.

Main tasks

• Performs routine maintenance and repairs on engines, boilers and mechanical systems
• Monitors and adjusts controls to maintain optimal operating conditions
• Records and reports on the performance and maintenance of equipment
• Inspects and tests safety devices and equipment to ensure compliance with regulations and standards
• Responds to alarms and emergencies, and takes appropriate action to prevent damage or accidents
• Assists with the installation and commissioning of new equipment

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in ESI Generation (UEP30322); Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations (RII32220); Certificate IV in ESI Generation Maintenance (Mechanical) (UEP40522); Certificate IV in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 1 Near Coastal) (MAR40224); Certificate II in ESI Generation - Operations Support (UEP20122); Certificate III in Maritime Operations (Marine Engine Driver Grade 2 Near Coastal) (MAR30824)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $104,988 a year
• About 25,500 people work in this job group now, and about 27,200 are projected by 2035. (+6.9%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

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• Bulk Materials Handling Plant Operator
• Concrete Batching Plant Operator
• Concrete Pump Operator
• Railway Signal Operator
• Weighbridge Operator

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Boiler or Engine Operator?

Ways in include: Certificate III in ESI Generation; Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations.

How much does a Boiler or Engine Operator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $104,988 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Boiler or Engine Operator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 25,500 to about 27,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Boiler or Engine Operator?

Usually not. Only 3% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in ESI Generation; Certificate III in Well Servicing Operations.

Will AI change the work of a Boiler or Engine Operator?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04