Hydroelectric Plant Technicians

SOC code 51-8013 · O*NET-SOC 51-8013.04 · Medium preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Hydroelectric 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

10th$61,790Median$102,04090th$131,940

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 hydroelectric plant technician do?

Monitor and control activities associated with hydropower generation. Operate plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, and battery banks. Monitor equipment operation and performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Perform equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specifications, as necessary.
Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants.
Perform preventive or corrective containment or cleanup measures in hydroelectric plants to prevent environmental contamination.
Inspect water-powered electric generators or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric plants to verify proper operation or to determine maintenance or repair needs.
Communicate status of hydroelectric operating equipment to dispatchers or supervisors.
Operate high voltage switches or related devices in hydropower stations.
Operate hydroelectric plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, or battery banks.

How to become a hydroelectric plant technician

Most people in this role hold associate's degree or other 2-year degree — 34% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree34%
Post-Secondary Certificate34%
Some College Courses22%
Bachelor's Degree7%

Common questions

How much does a hydroelectric 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 hydroelectric plant technician without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.9/5
Monitoring3.6/5
Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Active Listening3.1/5
Speaking3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical4.9/5
Public Safety and Security4.3/5
Mathematics4.3/5
Engineering and Technology4.1/5
Education and Training4.0/5
Design3.9/5
Computers and Electronics3.9/5
English Language3.9/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Operation and Control, Repairing, Troubleshooting.