What is the salary of a Hydroelectric Plant Technician?

The typical salary range is $69,769 - $139,538 per year.

Supply Chain & ProductionStable

Hydroelectric Plant Technician

Operational-level

Also known as: Communications and Instrumentation Mechanic (C and I Mechanic), Hydro Mechanic, Hydro Operator, Hydro Plant Technician (Hydro Plant Tech)

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Monitor and control activities associated with hydropower generation. Operate plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, and battery banks. Monitor equipment operation and performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Perform equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.

HydropowerRenewable EnergyPlant OperationsEnergy ProductionElectrical EngineeringMechanical EngineeringIndustrial TechnologySkilled TradeProductionEngineering

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

Moderate

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

Moderate

Indoor, climate-controlled

Moderate

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly assist hydroelectric plant technicians by enhancing predictive maintenance, optimizing energy output through real-time data analysis, and automating routine monitoring tasks. This will shift their focus towards more complex problem-solving, system oversight, and advanced diagnostic work, improving plant efficiency and reliability.

Salary

$69,769 - $139,538 per year

Estimated for US-wide average

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position