Biomass Plant Technicians
SOC code 51-8013 · O*NET-SOC 51-8013.03 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Biomass Plant Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$102,040
a year
Hourly
$49.06
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$99,790
$47.97 per hour
Middle 50%
$79,690 – $119,080
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$61,790 – $131,940
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
29,320
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Power Plant Operators”, not this job alone.
- 10th percentile
- $61,790
- $29.71/hr
- 25th percentile
- $79,690
- $38.31/hr
- Median percentile
- $102,040
- $49.06/hr
- 75th percentile
- $119,080
- $57.25/hr
- 90th percentile
- $131,940
- $63.44/hr
What does a biomass plant technician do?
Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
- Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers.
- Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
- Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.
- Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.
- Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
- Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.
- Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power.
How to become a biomass plant technician
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 47% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)47%
- Post-Secondary Certificate22%
- Bachelor's Degree10%
- Some College Courses10%
Common questions
How much does a biomass plant technician earn?
The national median is $102,040 a year. The full range runs from $61,790 at the 10th percentile to $131,940 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a biomass plant technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Monitoring3.4/5
- Critical Thinking3.1/5
- Reading Comprehension3.0/5
- Active Listening3.0/5
- Writing3.0/5
- Speaking3.0/5
- Active Learning3.0/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical3.9/5
- Chemistry3.4/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Production and Processing3.3/5
- Engineering and Technology3.1/5
- Education and Training3.1/5
- Computers and Electronics3.0/5
- Mathematics2.9/5
Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Judgment and Decision Making.