Miscellaneous Technicians and Trades Workers

How to become a Power Generation Plant Operator

Also called: Power Plant Operator, Power Station Operator

Operates, controls, maintains and monitors machines and associated plant equipment used to generate electrical power, including power generated from renewable energy such as solar, wind power and hydropower.

Main tasks

Operates, controls and monitors machines and plant equipment used to generate electrical power, including power generated from renewable energy
Adjusts controls to regulate the flow of fuel, air and water to maintain specified temperature, pressure and water levels
Starts and stops generators, turbines and auxiliary equipment
Monitors and records readings from meters, gauges and instruments
Inspects and maintains equipment, and identifies and reports any faults or malfunctions
Responds to alarms and emergencies, taking appropriate action to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant
Monitors and controls the quality of power generated, ensuring it meets specified standards
Coordinates activities and resolves issues in collaboration with other plant operators and maintenance staff
Keeps records of plant operations, including production levels, maintenance activities and equipment performance

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Certificate III in ESI Generation. Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Renewable Energy (UEE62022); Advanced Diploma of Renewable Energy Engineering (UEE60922); Certificate III in ESI Generation (UEP30322); Certificate IV in Wind Power Generation (UEP40622); Diploma of Renewable Energy Engineering (UEE50722); Certificate IV in ESI Generation (UEP40122); Certificate IV in ESI Generation Maintenance - Electrical Electronics (UEP40322); Certificate IV in ESI Generation Maintenance (Mechanical) (UEP40522)
Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Typical full-time pay: $183,664 a year
About 9,500 people work in this job group now, and about 10,400 are projected by 2035. (+9.1%)
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Power Generation Plant Operator?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Renewable Energy; Advanced Diploma of Renewable Energy Engineering; Certificate III in ESI Generation.

How much does a Power Generation Plant Operator earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $183,664 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Power Generation Plant Operator a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2035, from about 9,500 to about 10,400 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Power Generation Plant Operator?

Usually not. Only 7% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Engineering Technology - Renewable Energy; Advanced Diploma of Renewable Energy Engineering; Certificate III in ESI Generation.

Will AI change the work of a Power Generation Plant Operator?

AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.

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