Power Plant Operators
SOC Code: 51-8013 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Power Plant Operators. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $86,757 | $114,088 | $141,419 | $168,750 |
| Yuba City, CA | $86,070 | $110,490 | $134,930 | $159,349 |
| Napa, CA | $75,150 | $102,461 | $129,771 | $157,082 |
| Vallejo, CA | $84,822 | $108,410 | $131,976 | $155,563 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA | $121,493 | $132,371 | $143,270 | $154,149 |
| Fresno, CA | $80,018 | $104,395 | $128,794 | $153,171 |
| North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area | $70,491 | $95,659 | $120,806 | $145,974 |
| Salinas, CA | $78,104 | $100,298 | $122,470 | $144,664 |
| Redding, CA | $76,482 | $99,195 | $121,930 | $144,643 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $93,038 | $110,074 | $127,088 | $144,123 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 4.0 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.9 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.8 | |
| Speaking | 3.4 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.2 | |
| Monitoring | 3.2 | |
| Active Listening | 3.2 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.1 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.1 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.1 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Mechanical | 4.0 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.7 |
| English Language | 3.6 |
| Production and Processing | 3.4 |
| Chemistry | 3.2 |
| Physics | 3.1 |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.0 |
| Design | 2.8 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 59.8% |
| Associate's degree | 14.3% |
| Bachelor's degree | 12.5% |
| Some college | 8.2% |
| Less than high school | 3.5% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 1.7% |
Typical Tasks
- Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
- Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
- Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
- Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
- Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
- Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
- Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.
- Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Access Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word SAP software Computerized maintenance management system CMMS Continuous emissions monitoring systems CEMS Distributed control system DCS Email software Emerson Ovation Gas field monitoring system software General Electric Mark VI Distributed Control System DCS General Electric Mark VI Integrated Control System ICS
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