Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Stationary engineers and boiler operators need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and are trained either on the job or through an apprenticeship program. Many employers require stationary engineers and boiler operators to demonstrate competency through licenses or company-specific exams before they are allowed to operate equipment without supervision. PayThe median annual wage for stationary engineers and boiler operators was $78,620 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of stationary engineers and boiler operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,200 openings for stationary engineers and boiler operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for stationary engineers and boiler operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of stationary engineers and boiler operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about stationary engineers and boiler operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for stationary engineers and boiler operators was $78,620 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of stationary engineers and boiler operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,200 openings for stationary engineers and boiler operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for stationary engineers and boiler operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of stationary engineers and boiler operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about stationary engineers and boiler operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of stationary engineers and boiler operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 3,200 openings for stationary engineers and boiler operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for stationary engineers and boiler operators. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of stationary engineers and boiler operators with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about stationary engineers and boiler operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Stationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment.
Work Environment
The majority of stationary engineers and boiler operators work in manufacturing, government, educational services, and hospitals. Those who work in facilities that operate around the clock often work evenings and weekends. Shift work also is common.
How to Become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
Stationary engineers and boiler operators need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and are trained either on the job or through an apprenticeship program. Many employers require stationary engineers and boiler operators to demonstrate competency through licenses or company-specific exams before they are allowed to operate equipment without supervision.
Pay
The median annual wage for stationary engineers and boiler operators was $78,620 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of stationary engineers and boiler operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 3,200 openings for stationary engineers and boiler operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for stationary engineers and boiler operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of stationary engineers and boiler operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about stationary engineers and boiler operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
The majority of stationary engineers and boiler operators work in manufacturing, government, educational services, and hospitals. Those who work in facilities that operate around the clock often work evenings and weekends. Shift work also is common.
How to Become a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator
Stationary engineers and boiler operators need at least a high school diploma or equivalent and are trained either on the job or through an apprenticeship program. Many employers require stationary engineers and boiler operators to demonstrate competency through licenses or company-specific exams before they are allowed to operate equipment without supervision.
Pay
The median annual wage for stationary engineers and boiler operators was $78,620 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of stationary engineers and boiler operators is projected to grow 3 percent from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 3,200 openings for stationary engineers and boiler operators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for stationary engineers and boiler operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of stationary engineers and boiler operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about stationary engineers and boiler operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for stationary engineers and boiler operators.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of stationary engineers and boiler operators with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about stationary engineers and boiler operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about stationary engineers and boiler operators by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Explore Training Options
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Explore pathway →Hear From ED
Use the guided career counseling experience to connect this career to your goals, skills and education preferences.
Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.