Plant and System Operators

How to become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator

Official title: Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Also called: Auxiliary Operator, Boiler Operator, Boiler Technician (Boiler Tech), Operating Engineer, Operator, Plant Utilities Engineer, Recovery Boiler Operator, Stationary Engineer, Stationary Steam Engineer, Utilities Operator

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.

Main tasks

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.

How to become one

Stationary engineers and boiler operators need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and are trained either on the job or through an apprenticeship program. Many employers require stationary engineers and boiler operators to demonstrate competency through licenses or company-specific exams before they are allowed to operate equipment without supervision.

Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Boiler Operator.
Apprenticeship: Firer, Marine (Alternate Title: Fireman, Oiler & Watertender ) (Water Transportation).
Apprenticeship: Stationary Engineer.
Licence: A licence is required in 15 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $78,620 a year The middle half earn $63,160 to $101,150.
About 31,200 people work in this job now, and about 32,200 are projected by 2035. (+3.1%)
People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator?

How much does a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $78,620 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $63,160 to $101,150.

Is a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 3% by 2035, from about 31,200 to about 32,200 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator?

Usually not. Only 20% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Boiler Operator.

Will AI change the work of a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator?

People use generative AI for relatively little of this work so far. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as low.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.