Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
SOC Code: 51-8021
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operatorss 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. This career typically requires medium preparation (1-2 years). With an AI-proof score of 74.1/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operations Monitoring, Operations Monitoring, Repairing.
AI-Proof Score: 74.1 — High
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Median Salary
$75,190
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Job Growth
2.2%
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Training Time
Medium preparation (1-2 years)
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Job Zone
Zone 3 / 5
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Training Cost
~$15,000
Key Skills
- •Operations Monitoring
- •Repairing
- •Operation and Control
- •Active Listening
- •Troubleshooting
- •Critical Thinking
- •Equipment Maintenance
Common Tasks
- ✓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.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation