{"v":"2026-11-02","dataVersion":"ONET-30.3+BLS-MAY25","code":"51-8013.00","slug":"power-plant-operators","title":"Power Plant Operators","alt":["Operator","Plant Operator","Power Operator","Control Operator","Booster Operator","Turbine Operator","Powerhouse Operator","Hydroelectric Operator","Turbo Operator","Electric Operator","Natural Gas Technician","Station Tender"],"employment":29320,"wage":{"median":102040,"p25":79690,"p75":119080},"growthPct":-11.2,"exposure":25.1,"taskCount":30,"highCount":3,"midCount":3,"lowCount":24,"aeiObserved":1,"fit":{"mix":{"none":62.3,"efficient":20.5,"standard":17.2,"frontier":0},"counts":{"none":19,"efficient":6,"standard":5,"frontier":0},"recommended":"standard","coveragePct":37.7,"addressablePct":37.7},"tasks":[{"t":"Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.","imp":4.67,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.","imp":4.57,"exp":12,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.","imp":4.57,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.","imp":4.53,"exp":50,"src":"heuristic","tier":"standard","gwa":"Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings"},{"t":"Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.","imp":4.53,"exp":50,"src":"heuristic","tier":"efficient","gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.","imp":4.5,"exp":20,"src":"heuristic","tier":"efficient","gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.","imp":4.47,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.","imp":4.44,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"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.","imp":4.42,"exp":20,"src":"heuristic","tier":"efficient","gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.","imp":4.42,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.","imp":4.41,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Operate, control, or monitor gasifiers or related equipment, such as coolers, water quenches, water gas shifts reactors, or sulfur recovery units, to produce syngas or electricity from coal.","imp":4.39,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.","imp":4.38,"exp":65,"src":"heuristic","tier":"standard","gwa":"Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates"},{"t":"Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.","imp":4.32,"exp":20,"src":"heuristic","tier":"efficient","gwa":"Performing General Physical Activities"},{"t":"Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.","imp":4.31,"exp":50,"src":"heuristic","tier":"standard","gwa":"Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates"},{"t":"Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.","imp":4.14,"exp":73.53,"src":"aei","tier":"standard","gwa":"Documenting/Recording Information","auto":0.936,"aug":0.064},{"t":"Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.","imp":4.13,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.","imp":3.92,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates"},{"t":"Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.","imp":3.91,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.","imp":3.9,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials"},{"t":"Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.","imp":3.89,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings"},{"t":"Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland or pipe joints.","imp":3.52,"exp":20,"src":"heuristic","tier":"efficient","gwa":"Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment"},{"t":"Analyze the layout, instrumentation, or function of electrical generation or transmission facilities.","imp":3,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials"},{"t":"Diagnose or troubleshoot problems with gas collection systems.","imp":3,"exp":10,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Making Decisions and Solving Problems"},{"t":"Monitor well fields periodically to ensure proper functioning and performance.","imp":3,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings"},{"t":"Operate landfill gas, methane, or natural gas fueled electrical generation systems.","imp":3,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Prepare and submit compliance, operational, and safety forms or reports.","imp":3,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Documenting/Recording Information"},{"t":"Repair or replace gas piping.","imp":3,"exp":20,"src":"heuristic","tier":"efficient","gwa":"Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment"},{"t":"Trace electrical circuitry to ensure compliance of electrical systems with applicable codes or laws.","imp":3,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People"},{"t":"Verify that well field monitoring data conforms to applicable regulations.","imp":3,"exp":80,"src":"heuristic","tier":"standard","gwa":"Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings"}],"adjacent":[{"code":"51-8013.03","slug":"biomass-plant-technicians","title":"Biomass Plant Technicians","overlap":0.74,"months":10,"exposure":28.7,"strong":true},{"code":"51-8092.00","slug":"gas-plant-operators","title":"Gas Plant Operators","overlap":0.73,"months":10,"exposure":30.8,"strong":true},{"code":"51-8091.00","slug":"chemical-plant-and-system-operators","title":"Chemical Plant and System Operators","overlap":0.73,"months":10,"exposure":26.1,"strong":true},{"code":"51-8021.00","slug":"stationary-engineers-and-boiler-operators","title":"Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators","overlap":0.72,"months":10,"exposure":23.9,"strong":true},{"code":"51-8011.00","slug":"nuclear-power-reactor-operators","title":"Nuclear Power Reactor Operators","overlap":0.72,"months":10,"exposure":28.7,"strong":true}]}