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Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Production (51-8021)

Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.

At a Glance

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators earns a median of $75,190/yr with +2.2% projected growth. Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent. Top skills: Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP, Microsoft Word, Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials.

Median Annual Wage

$75,190/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+2.2%

Annual Openings

4

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Skills & Requirements

Skills (7)

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

4.0
Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

3.4
Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

3.3
Equipment Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

3.3
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.3
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.3
Repairing

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

3.3

Knowledge (3)

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

4.1
Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

3.4
Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

3.3

Abilities (8)

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.9
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.8
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.6
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.5
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.3
Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

3.3
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.3
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.3

Technology (7)

Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP

Category: Web platform development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (28)

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.5
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

4.4
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.3
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

4.2
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.1
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.1
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.0
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.9
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

3.9
Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

3.9
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

3.8
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

3.7
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

3.7
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.7
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

3.7
Thinking Creatively

Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

3.6
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.6
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.6
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

3.6
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

3.6
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

3.5
Developing and Building Teams

Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

3.5
Coaching and Developing Others

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

3.5
Developing Objectives and Strategies

Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

3.4
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

Frequently Asked Questions

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