Stationary Engineer / Boiler Operator
Quick Facts
Median Salary$60,957
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+8.71%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator operates and repairs stationary mechanical equipment such as engines or boilers for buildings and industrial use.
Core Tasks:
- Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
- Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.
- Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
- Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
- Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
- Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.
- Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
- Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely.
- Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work.
- Perform or arrange for repairs, such as complete overhauls, replacement of defective valves, gaskets, or bearings, or fabrication of new parts.
- Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system or industrial processes.
- Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools.
- Develop operation, safety, and maintenance procedures or assist in their development.
- Test electrical systems to determine voltages, using voltage meters.
- Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.
- Contact equipment manufacturers or appropriate specialists when necessary to resolve equipment problems.
- Install burners and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools.
- Receive instructions from steam engineers regarding steam plant and air compressor operations.
- Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes.
- Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.
What to expect as a Stationary Engineer / Boiler Operator
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
47% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Stationary Engineer / Boiler Operator related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
816 openings for Stationary Engineers / Boiler Operators
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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