Stationary Engineer Career Guide

Learn how you can become a Stationary Engineer, what a Stationary Engineer does and how much money a Stationary Engineer can make

Stationary engineers and boiler operators are trained to operate, maintain and service a wide variety of mechanical and electrical equipment. A Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator will typically complete some form of training in HVAC and Electrical systems. Furthermore, these workers usually have several years of experience before they can perform the duties of a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator. Also, many Stationary Engineers or Boiler Operators may have to be licensed to work on high pressure steam boilers. The work of a stationary engineer is diverse and constantly changing. The job market for a Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator is growing and these workers are in demand. For this reason, employers are constantly looking to hire workers that are willing to learn a new, exciting and challenging career.

A boiler operator is adjusting a high pressure steam boiler that is in operation.

Boiler operator checking the operation of a boiler.

Job that is in demand
The need for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators is constantly growing. At the same time many workers are beginning to retire. Therefore, there are many great career opportunities for people interested in becoming a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator.
Interesting and Challenging
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators are always learning new skills to improve their ability to solve complex problems. The work of a Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator is very diverse and constantly changing.
No College Degree Required
You do not need an expensive college degree to work as a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator. Many Stationary Engineers have acquired training through trade schools, union apprenticeship programs, community colleges, the military or on the job training with an employer.

Where you can work as a Stationary Engineer

Maintenance Department

Hospitals, University's, Airports and large corporations typically will employ an in-house Maintenance Department. Many of these organizations, have boiler operators or stationary engineers to safely operate and monitor large steam boilers, chillers and cooling towers. Individuals with skills in the commercial or industrial HVAC/R field can easily find jobs as stationary engineers or boiler operators within these large organizations. These workers get to learn their buildings and equipment, typically have steady year round work and get to go home at the same time every day.

Utility

Merchant Marine

Stationary Engineer Career Progression Idea's

Here are some career advancement idea's for stationary engineers that have several years of experience and training.

Management

Stationary Engineers can learn valuable skills throughout their career that can help them advance to the position of Facility manager/Supervisor. Facility managers/Supervisors typically lead skilled tradesmen in the safe and efficient maintenance and repair of large facilities and various equipment. They are knowledgeable in building codes, OSHA regulations, industry practices and workforce leadership.

Inspector

Mechanical, boiler and building inspectors ensure new installations, buildings and boilers are safe for operation. Mechanical inspectors typically provide inspection of new installations in residential and commercial locations. Boiler inspectors provide inspection for new and existing boilers. Many state Governments employ boiler inspectors along with insurance companies. Inspectors typically need to be licensed and have several years of experience and training.

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers work for product manufactures and help customers in the selection and use of their companies products. These workers help the customer select the correct product for the application, provide training and can assist in troubleshooting various problems that may occur. Sales Engineers usually requires some formal training, college, apprenticeship, years of experience and excellent people skills.

Engineer

HVAC/Energy engineers and Electrical engineers help facility owners understand their facilities heating and air-conditioning equipment demand and electrical energy usage. They analyze past energy consumption and building use to make efficient equipment selections and to improve the operation of existing HVAC and Electrical equipment. These workers typically have formal training, college degree, years of experience and good computer skills.

How much money you can make as a Stationary Engineer and how to get started

Completing Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator training is an important step in beginning a successful career as a Stationary Engineer. To get started, learn about the different Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator training paths you can take to become a Stationary Engineer.

Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator salary

A great website to get an idea of how much money you could possibly make as a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator is The Bureau of Labor Statistics. It provides some excellent compensation information along with a detailed job outlook for the Stationary Engineer career field, how to get started as a Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator and typical working conditions of a Stationary Engineer.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great resource for various skilled trades occupations. Click here for more information on the Stationary Engineer and Boiler Operator career-

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

The Occupational Employment Statistics program provides compensation information for various occupations. Click here for more information on Stationary Engineers salary-https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes518021.htm

Stationary Engineer Apprenticeship Programs

A great way to get started as a Stationary Engineer is an apprenticeship program through a local Union. As an Stationary Engineer or Boiler Operator apprentice you will work for a union contractor and also attend classes at a union training facility. Apprenticeship programs typically last 4-5 years and apprentices receive pay increase as they progress throughout the program. Check out the following Unions for more information regarding apprenticeship programs in your area. Contact a union local in your area today for more information.

International Union of Operating Engineers-https://www.iuoe.org/
United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs. https://ua.org/

Another good website to check out for information regarding apprenticeship programs is ResumeBuilder.com. Not only do they have great information on creating resumes they also have apprenticeship information for each state. Visit https://www.resumebuilder.com/apprenticeship-resources-by-state/

Community College and Trade School

Community College:

Many Community Colleges have HVAC/R programs that teach service, maintenance and installation of heating and cooling equipment. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate or an Associates degree upon completion. Some Community College's, may also help students connect with employers. Check with your local Community College on what HVAC/R programs are available.

Trade Schools:

There are many schools that specialize in training HVAC/R technicians. Many areas across the country have trades schools that teach Skilled Trades careers. Students in these programs typically earn a certificate upon completion. However, its important to research the training quality and how successful previous students have been at finding jobs. It's important to talk to local heating and cooling contractors on what their experience has been with students from a local trade school.

In short, Community Colleges and trade schools are a great way to get started in the HVAC/R field. Students that complete training may need additional years of experience and licensing to work with industrial high pressure steam boilers. Its important to research the quality of training and how successful previous students have been at finding and retaining jobs. Some Community Colleges and trade Schools may have programs to connect students with employers. Talk to local heating and cooling contractors on what their experience has been with these schools.

Military

There are many skilled trades and construction occupations throughout the United States Armed Forces. Each military branch has personnel that are highly trained to service, maintain and install anything that exist on a military base. Enlisted members of the Armed Forces, complete a basic training course then they must complete additional training before they begin working in their occupation. Members of the Armed Forces get 30 days of vacation each year, food and housing, medical, dental and many other important benefits. Educational benefits are available during your enlistment period and upon completion. Joining the military can be a great way to learn a skilled trades or construction occupation.

Always contact a Military Recruiter to learn more detailed information on job opportunities, training, benefits and other important information for employment within the Armed Forces.

Air Force:

Click here for more information on HVAC Technicians employed by the Air Force-https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration

Navy:

Click here for more information on Machinist Mates employed by the Navy to service, maintain and operate HVAC/R equipment and steam turbines on ships-https://www.navy.com/careers/mechanical-industrial-technology

Click here for more information on Seabees employed by the Navy to install, service, maintain and operate land based HVAC/R equipment-https://www.navy.com/careers/construction

Coast Guard:

Click here for more information on Machinery Technicians employed by the Coast Guard-https://www.gocoastguard.com/active-duty-careers/enlisted-opportunities/view-job-descriptions/mk

Army:

Click here for more information on Utilities Equipment Repairer employed by the Army-https://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-categories/mechanics/utilities-equipment-repairer.html

Marine Corp:

Contact a recruiter for additional information on Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Technicians (MOS 1161). Click here for more information-https://www.marines.com/

Explore our career resources for other Skilled Trades jobs that are in demand today

The Trades are in demand and hiring today! View our career resources for other skilled trade careers and learn how to get started in a rewarding skilled trade job. Learn what trades are most in demand today, how to get started and how much money you can make in the trades. It's a great time to Go Skilled Trades!

Skilled Trades Career Resources

Many Skilled Tradesmen have acquired their training through an apprenticeship program, trade school, the military or while working on the job. You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the Skilled Trades, facility maintenance or Construction field.

No College Degree Required

You do not need an expensive college degree to work in the skilled trades field. Many skilled tradesmen today, have acquired their training through apprenticeships, military, trade schools or working on the job.

No Expensive Student Loans

The average college student today graduates with a significant amount of debt due to their expensive student loans. On the other hand, an apprentice gets paid while completing their training program.

Great Rewarding Careers

There are many Skilled Trades and Construction career opportunities available today. Employers are constantly looking for workers with a good work ethic and the ability to learn new skills.