Also called: Control Room Operator, Plant Operator
Runs the boilers, turbines, and generators that make electricity, mostly from a control room.
On a 12-hour shift you watch screens of pressures and temperatures, ramp the plant up as afternoon demand rises, and walk the plant to check equipment.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 1 year after high school. High school diploma plus long on-the-job training; associate degree helps.
Ways in: On-the-job training, 2-year college, Military. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Majors to look at: Power Plant Technology (2-year).
Shrinking (about -2% over 10 years).
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. Plants are automating and some are run remotely, so fewer operators per plant; licensed humans still run the controls.
Classes: Physics, Chemistry, Algebra 2.
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-8013.
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