Board Operator
Impact: Operational
Operates and monitors control panels, computers, and other equipment to regulate and coordinate the operations of power generation plants, water treatment facilities, broadcasting stations, or other industrial processes. Ensures systems run efficiently and safely, responding to alarms and making adjustments as needed.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Moderate
- Team vs solo
- Solo-focused with team coordination
- Client facing
- Never
- Impact visibility
- Moderate
- Travel
- None
- Schedule flexibility
- Rigid
- Remote work
- On-site Only
- Typical work hours
- 40-50 hours/week
- Stress level
- Moderate
At a glance
- Median salary
- $65,000
- Entry-level
- $45,000
- Senior
- $90,000
- Growth by 2033
- 2%
- Demand
- Stable
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Salary growth potential
- 15%
- Typical student debt
- $10,000 - $25,000
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- Control Systems Operation
- Troubleshooting
- Data Analysis
Soft skills
- Attention to Detail
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
Technical complexity: High
How to get there
- Minimum education
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Licensing
- Yes
- Years to mid-career
- 5
- Years to senior
- 10
- Career switching
- Moderate
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
Where you can go from here
Typical progression
- Entry-level operator
- Senior Operator
- Shift Supervisor
- Operations Manager
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- 20-30%
- AI disruption risk
- Low
- Demand trend
- Stable
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 7/10
- Meaning
- 6.5/10
- Work-life balance
- 5/10
- Prestige
- 5.5/10
- Social perception
- High