Shigoto Zukan
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How to become stationary engineers and boiler operatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$78,620
25th–75th pct. $63,160–$101,150
Top pay (est.)
$163,000
Top 10% $125,390
Pay in 5 years
$91,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$106,000est.
$91,200–$123,100
Outlook score
62/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
39%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.1%
3,200 openings / yr

How to become stationary engineers and boiler operators

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.9
Repairing
3.5
Operation and Control
3.2
Troubleshooting
3.2
Quality Control Analysis
3.2
Equipment Maintenance
3.2
Complex Problem Solving
3.1
Coordination
3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.9
Chemistry
4.4
Public Safety and Security
4.0
Physics
3.7
Building and Construction
3.7
Engineering and Technology
3.6
Education and Training
3.6
Mathematics
3.5

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Perceptual SpeedNear VisionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityAuditory Attention

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate
47%
High school diploma
38%
Associate's degree
11%
Some college
5%

Training before entry

6–12 months
51%
3–6 months
20%
1–3 months
18%
1–2 years
5%
2–4 years
5%
Over 10 years
1%

Related work experience

1–2 years
24%
2–4 years
21%
4–6 years
19%
6–12 months
13%
6–8 years
9%
None
5%
8–10 years
5%
3–6 months
3%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as stationary engineers and boiler operators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.