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Supply Chain & ProductionDeclining

Power Plant Operator

Operational-level

Also known as: Asphalt Plant Operator, Auxiliary Equipment Tender, Auxiliary Operator, Auxiliary Power Equipment Operator

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
Power GenerationPower Systems OperationsElectrical PowerUtility OperationsEngineeringIndustrial TechnologyOperations ManagementManufacturingProductionEnergy

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 AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP software
In-demand software
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPoint

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-5.1%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

2,300

per year (US)

Jobs today

29,800

in 2025 → 28,300 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

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
High
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Low
Level of competition
Moderate

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

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

This field is experiencing contraction with decreasing job opportunities. Consider developing skills in related growing fields.

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly automate routine monitoring, data analysis, and predictive maintenance tasks within power plant operations, enhancing efficiency and safety. For Power Plant Operators, this means a shift from manual controls to overseeing AI systems, interpreting complex data insights, and focusing on higher-level problem-solving. Their roles will evolve to require new skills in human-AI collaboration and managing more autonomous plant functions.

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Salary

$102,040

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Technical Product Design

Vocational • Design & Architecture • 2 years

Application Development

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Software Development

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Electrical Engineering

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Technical Specialist

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 1 year

Electrician

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

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