Stationary Engineer
Impact: Operational
Stationary engineers and boiler operators operate, monitor, and maintain stationary engines, boilers, and other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. They are responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of systems such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers. Their duties include monitoring gauges, meters, and computerized controls, performing routine maintenance, troubleshooting malfunctions, and making necessary repairs. They also maintain daily logs of operations, test boiler water quality, and ensure compliance with safety codes.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Minimal
- Team vs solo
- Solo
- Client facing
- Rarely
- Impact visibility
- Moderate
- Travel
- None
- Schedule flexibility
- Structured
- Remote work
- On-site Only
- Typical work hours
- 40-50
- Stress level
- Moderate
At a glance
- Median salary
- $75,190
- Entry-level
- $55,000
- Senior
- $95,000
- Growth by 2033
- 2%
- Demand
- Stable
- Freelance potential
- Very Low
- Salary growth potential
- Moderate
- Typical student debt
- $10,000 - $30,000
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
Soft skills
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
Technical complexity: High
How to get there
- Minimum education
- High School Diploma
- Licensing
- Varies by State
- 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
- Apprenticeship to licensed Stationary Engineer, with potential for supervisory roles or specialization in specific systems.
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- Low
- AI disruption risk
- Low
- Demand trend
- Stable
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 3.5/10
- Meaning
- 3.5/10
- Work-life balance
- 3.5/10
- Prestige
- 6/10
- Social perception
- Moderate