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Career Profile

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

What they do:

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.

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

MO Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$49,920
Starting Salary (2025)
$72,620
Median Salary (2025)
2.2%
Projected Job Growth
380
MO Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

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.
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.
Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.
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.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Integrity
Independence
Adaptability/Flexibility
Cooperation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Troubleshooting
Active Listening
Equipment Maintenance
Repairing

Expected Knowledge

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Common Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 3

Medium Preparation Needed

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

Training

Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Post-secondary certificate 47%
  • High school diploma 38%
  • Associate's degree 11%
  • Some college 5%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Power Plant Operators
Biomass Plant Technicians
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.