Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

SOC code 51-8021 · O*NET-SOC 51-8021.00 · Medium preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$78,620

a year

Hourly

$37.80

per hour

10th$50,590Median$78,62090th$125,390

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$83,960

$40.37 per hour

Middle 50%

$63,160 – $101,150

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$50,590 – $125,390

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

28,250

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $50,590; $24.32/hr
25th percentile: $63,160; $30.37/hr
Median percentile: $78,620; $37.80/hr
75th percentile: $101,150; $48.63/hr
90th percentile: $125,390; $60.28/hr

Job outlook · federal projection 2024–34

+2%

Growing about as fast as average

33,300

jobs in 2024

34,000

projected for 2034

About 700 more jobs

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections, 2024–34. Projections describe the broader occupation group and are estimates, not guarantees.

What do stationary engineers and boiler operators do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.
Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
Fire coal furnaces by hand or with stokers and gas- or oil-fed boilers, using automatic gas feeds or oil pumps.
Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.
Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 47% 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

Post-Secondary Certificate47%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)38%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree11%
Some College Courses5%

Common questions

How much does a stationary engineers and boiler operators earn?

The national median is $78,620 a year. The full range runs from $50,590 at the 10th percentile to $125,390 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 stationary engineers and boiler operators 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.

Is stationary engineers and boiler operators in demand?

Federal projections expect employment to grow by about 2% between 2024 and 2034 — growing about as fast as average. Openings also come from people retiring or changing jobs, which the growth figure does not count.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.3/5
Critical Thinking3.3/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Active Learning3.1/5
Monitoring3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Mechanical4.1/5
Chemistry3.4/5
Public Safety and Security3.3/5
Physics3.2/5
Engineering and Technology3.2/5
English Language3.1/5
Computers and Electronics3.1/5
Mathematics3.1/5

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