Also known as: Auxiliary Operator, Biomass Boiler Operator, Biomass Plant Operator, Biomass Plant Technician
Your 7 AM shift at the Cedar Creek Biomass Plant in rural Ohio begins with the familiar hum of machinery even before you step inside. You pull on your steel-toed boots, snap your hard hat into place, don safety glasses and hearing protection. After grabbing your two-way radio, you head straight to the control room. The previous shift technician, Mark, gives you a quick rundown: all systems are green, but the wood chip feeder for Boiler 3 had a slight pressure dip overnight. You acknowledge, taking your seat in front of the flickering Distributed Control System (DCS) monitors.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
-5.1%
US average: +3.5%
2,300
per year (US)
29,800
in 2025 → 28,300 (2035)
High school diploma or equivalent
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
The outlook for Biomass Plant Technicians is projected to decline by about 5.1% through 2035, but there will still be around 2,300 job openings each year. The median annual wage is high at $102,040. You can advance to roles like Senior Biomass Plant Technician or Plant Operations Supervisor.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$102,040
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Power Plant Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Energy Management and Systems Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Electrical Engineering
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years