Median annual earnings of power plant operators were $49,920 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $40,090 and $58,690. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,290, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $67,950. Median annual earnings of power plant operators in 2002 were $52,410 in electric power generation, transmission, and distribution and $44,200 in local government.
Median annual earnings of nuclear power reactor operators were $61,060 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $53,060 and $70,580. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $48,060, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $79,880.
Median annual earnings of power distributors and dispatchers were $54,120 in 2002. The middle 50 percent earned between $43,750 and $65,390. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $34,640, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $75,420.
Electricity is vital for most everyday activities. From the moment you flip the first switch each morning, you are connecting to a huge network of people, electric lines, and generating equipment. Power plant operators control the machinery that generates electricity. Power plant distributors and dispatchers control the flow of electricity from the power plant, over a network of transmission lines, to industrial plants and substations, and, finally, over distribution lines to residential users.
Power plant operators control and monitor boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment in power-generating plants. Operators distribute power demands among generators, combine the current from several generators, and monitor instruments to maintain voltage and regulate electricity flows from the plant. When power requirements change, these workers start or stop generators and connect or disconnect them from circuits. They often use computers to keep records of switching operations and loads on generators, lines, and transformers. Operators also may use computers to prepare reports of unusual incidents, malfunctioning equipment, or maintenance performed during their shift.
Operators in plants with automated control systems work mainly in a central control room and usually are called control room operators and control room operator trainees or assistants. In older plants, the controls for the equipment are not centralized, and switchboard operators control the flow of electricity from a central point, whereas auxiliary equipment operators work throughout the plant, operating and monitoring valves, switches, and gauges.
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licenses operators of nuclear power plants. Reactor operators are authorized to control equipment that affects the power of the reactor in a nuclear power plant. In addition, an NRC-licensed senior reactor operator must be on duty during each shift to act as the plant supervisor and supervise the operation of all controls in the control room.
Power distributors and dispatchers, also called load dispatchers or systems operators, control the flow of electricity through transmission lines to industrial plants and substations that supply residential electric needs. They monitor and operate current converters, voltage transformers, and circuit breakers. Dispatchers also monitor other distribution equipment and record readings at a pilot board—a map of the transmission grid system showing the status of transmission circuits and connections with substations and industrial plants.
Dispatchers also anticipate power needs, such as those caused by changes in the weather. They call control room operators to start or stop boilers and generators, to bring production into balance with needs. Dispatchers handle emergencies such as transformer or transmission line failures and route current around affected areas. In substations, they also operate and monitor equipment that increases or decreases voltage, and they operate switchboard levers to control the flow of electricity in and out of the substations.
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People who want to become power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers are expected to encounter keen competition for these high-paying jobs. Declining employment and very low replacement needs in the occupation will result in few job opportunities. The slow pace of construction of new plants also will limit opportunities for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers. In addition, the increasing use of automatic controls and more computerized equipment should boost productivity and decrease the demand for operators. As a result, individuals with training in computers and automated equipment will have the best job prospects.
A decline in employment of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is expected through the year 2012, as the utilities industry continues to restructure in response to deregulation and increasing competition. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 continues to have an impact on the organization of the industry. The Act aims at increasing competition in power-generating utilities by allowing independent producers to sell power directly to industrial and other wholesale customers. Consequently, utilities, which historically operated as regulated local monopolies, are restructuring their operations in order to reduce costs and compete effectively; as a result, the number of jobs is decreasing.
Employers seek high school graduates for entry-level operator, distributor, and dispatcher positions. Candidates with strong mathematics and science skills are preferred. College-level courses or prior experience in a mechanical or technical job may be helpful. With computers now used to keep records, generate reports, and track maintenance, employers are increasingly requiring computer proficiency. Most entry-level workers start as helpers or laborers. Depending on the results of aptitude tests, their own preferences, and the availability of openings, workers may be assigned to train for one of many utility positions.
Workers selected for training as a fossil-fueled power plant operator or distributor undergo extensive on-the-job and classroom instruction. Several years of training and experience are required to become a fully qualified control room operator or power plant distributor. With further training and experience, workers may advance to shift supervisor. Utilities generally promote from within; therefore, opportunities to advance by moving to another employer are limited.
Extensive training and experience are necessary to pass the NRC examinations for reactor operators and senior reactor operators. To maintain their license, licensed reactor operators must pass an annual practical plant operation exam and a biennial written exam administered by their employers. Training may include simulator and on-the-job training, classroom instruction, and individual study. Entrants to nuclear power plant operator trainee jobs must have strong mathematics and science skills. Experience in other power plants or with Navy nuclear propulsion plants also is helpful. With further training and experience, reactor operators may advance to senior reactor operator positions.
In addition to receiving preliminary training as a power plant operator, distributor, or dispatcher, most workers are given periodic refresher training—frequently in the case of nuclear power plant operators. Refresher training usually is taken on plant simulators designed specifically to replicate procedures and situations that might be encountered at the trainee’s plant.
Other workers who monitor and operate plant and system equipment include chemical plant and system operators; petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators, and gaugers; stationary engineers and boiler operators; and water and liquid waste treatment plant and system operators.
For information about employment opportunities, contact local electric utility companies, locals of unions, and State employment service offices.
For general information about power plant operators, nuclear power reactor operators, and power plant distributors and dispatchers, contact:
This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. Job Training Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Summary of: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/51-8013.01
They work in control rooms, operating a controlling console, and also out in the plant. Shift work is required.
Summary of: http://jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au/jobdetails.cfm?jobid=815
Opportunities will be best for operators with training in computers and automated equipment. Power plant operators control the machinery that generates electricity. Reactor operators are authorized to control equipment that affects the power of the reactor in a nuclear power plant. About 86 percent of jobs were in utility companies and government agencies that produced electricity. The middle 50 percent earned between $40,090 and $58,690.
Summary of: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos227.htm
The original 1970 Clean Air Act established national standards to limit levels of such air pollutants as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, ozone, lead, and particulate matter. It put into place a new market-based "cap-and-trade" system that required power plants either to reduce emissions or acquire allowances from others to achieve compliance. To meet the more stringent nitrogen oxide standards, many power plants turned to new "low-NOx" burners that had been pioneered in the Energy Department's Clean Coal Technology Program. This effort also includes the development of ways to measure mercury emissions instantaneously and continuously so plant operators can validate the effectiveness of control technologies. New NOx and mercury controls can change the make-up of these waste products.
Summary of: http://www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/powersystems/pollutioncontrols/
From the moment you flip the first switch each morning, you are connecting to a huge network of people, electric lines, and generating equipment. Power plant operators control the machinery that generates electricity. In older plants, the controls for the equipment are not centralized, and operators work throughout the plant, operating and monitoring valves, switches, and gauges. Operators of nuclear power plants are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Employers seek high school graduates for entry level operator, distributor, and dispatcher positions.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh9899/187.htm
From the moment you flip the first switch each morning, you are connecting to a huge network of people, electric lines, and generating equipment. Electric power generating plant operators control the machinery that generates electricity. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licenses operators of nuclear power plants. Reactor operators are authorized to control equipment that affects the power of the reactor in a nuclear power plant. Workers selected for training as a power distributor or power plant operator at a fossil-fueled power plant undergo extensive on-the-job and classroom training.
Summary of: http://www.umsl.edu/services/govdocs/ooh20002001/360.htm
Power Plant Operators, sometimes called Senior Power Plant Operators, are key members of the crew that operates an electrical power generating plant. They also determine the operating status of their plant by inspection of records, log book entries, and discussion with other plant personnel. Power Reactor Operators, also known as Nuclear Reactor Operators, must also understand the operation of nuclear reactors. WORKING CONDITIONS In modern plants much of the Power Plant Operator's time is spent in the control room, which may be air-conditioned and relatively quiet. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING Usually employers look for high school graduate applicants who have taken math, chemistry, and physics courses for their entry level positions.
Summary of: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/POWER.HTM
Power plant operators control machinery that makes electric power. They control and monitor boilers, turbines, and generators in power plants. Work ActivitiesThe following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay.
Summary of: http://www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id=100417
Power plant operators control the machinery that generates electricity. Power distributors and dispatchers control the flow of electricity through substations and over a network of transmission and distribution lines to users. Operators in newer plants with automated control systems work mainly in a central control room and usually are called control room operators and control room operator trainees or assistants. Operators of nuclear power plants are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Employers seek high school graduates for entry level operator, distributor, and dispatcher positions.
Summary of: http://www2.jobtrak.com/help_manuals/outlook/ocos227.html
Includes auxiliary equipment operators. This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway. For additional information, select one of the specific occupations below.
Summary of: http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/51-8013.00