What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators in the U.S. earn more than $78,620 a year — the middle 80% land between $50,590 and $125,390. About 28,250 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Plant and machine operators and assemblers earn about ₹17,329 a month on average — around ₹2.1 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$78,620typical pay / year
28,250people in this work
$125,390+top 10% earn
₹2.1 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Fixing4
Operate auxiliary equipment as needed
+Operate auxiliary pumps, blowers and compressors as required during the morning shift, respond to abnormal…
Operate auxiliary equipment as needed
+Operate auxiliary pumps, blowers and compressors as required during the morning shift, respond to abnormal vibrations or temperatures, log actions and readings in the maintenance ledger, and inform the shift supervisor before leaving the plant area.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSESCOjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Perform routine maintenance on machinery
+Complete routine maintenance on the generator room machinery this week: drain and refill oil reservoirs,…
Perform routine maintenance on machinery
+Complete routine maintenance on the generator room machinery this week: drain and refill oil reservoirs, replace worn drive belts, torque coupling bolts to spec, run test cycle and record test readings in the maintenance log before handing over to the night crew.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Perform routine inspections
+Walk the boiler and pump rooms on the 0800 round, inspect seals, gauges and access panels, use the multimeter…
Perform routine inspections
+Walk the boiler and pump rooms on the 0800 round, inspect seals, gauges and access panels, use the multimeter and pressure gauge to verify readings, note any deviations in the inspection form and raise a corrective ticket if limits are exceeded.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSESCOjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Troubleshoot mechanical issues
+When a pump shows low flow, isolate the pump, inspect impeller and shaft clearance, use the vibration meter…
Troubleshoot mechanical issues
+When a pump shows low flow, isolate the pump, inspect impeller and shaft clearance, use the vibration meter and thermocouple to pinpoint bearing or alignment faults, make the needed adjustment or order the replacement parts and record findings.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Keeping the record1
Check safety devices routinely
+Check all safety interlocks, pressure relief valves and emergency shutdown switches during the 1400 safety…
Check safety devices routinely
+Check all safety interlocks, pressure relief valves and emergency shutdown switches during the 1400 safety check, verify set points and response times with the tester, file the pass/fail results on the safety checklist and notify maintenance if any device fails.
The tools that do the workBuilding management systemjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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The daily work15
Perform tests to ensure quality
+Run the scheduled quality tests on Train 412's HVAC and braking assemblies, record temperatures, vibration…
Perform tests to ensure quality
+Run the scheduled quality tests on Train 412's HVAC and braking assemblies, record temperatures, vibration and pressure readings, flag any out-of-tolerance values, attach the calibration certificate, and submit the test report to maintenance by 17:00 today.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSOperational Data Store ODSESCO
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Use testing equipment
+Carry out the diagnostic checks with pressure gauge and thermal probe on compressor unit B6, note readings…
Use testing equipment
+Carry out the diagnostic checks with pressure gauge and thermal probe on compressor unit B6, note readings every five minutes for thirty minutes, adjust cylinder valve clearance if pressure drifts, then upload the test sheet and sign off to maintenance by end of shift.
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Assist in the installation of new machinery
+Supervise and assist the fitters during installation of the new compressor skid in Bay 3 today, verify…
Assist in the installation of new machinery
+Supervise and assist the fitters during installation of the new compressor skid in Bay 3 today, verify alignment and mounting bolts, confirm lubrication lines are routed and pressure-tested, then log completion and any snags in the maintenance register before shift end.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSO*NETWikipedia
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Adjust controls to maintain proper operation
+Adjust the main steam valve and governor settings on Unit 2 to hold turbine inlet pressure at 4.2 bar while…
Adjust controls to maintain proper operation
+Adjust the main steam valve and governor settings on Unit 2 to hold turbine inlet pressure at 4.2 bar while monitoring vibration and temperature for the next two hours, note each adjustment and rationale in the control log, and notify the shift engineer if excursions persist.
The tools that do the workBuilding management systemjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
+Collect boiler feedwater and condensate samples from the plant header this morning, run the scale, pH and…
Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
+Collect boiler feedwater and condensate samples from the plant header this morning, run the scale, pH and conductivity tests on site, add the prescribed corrosion inhibitor if results exceed limits, and enter the test results and chemical doses into the water-treatment log.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelComputerized maintenance management system CMMSO*NET
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Test electrical systems to determine voltages, using voltage meters.
+Carry out voltage checks on the traction substation panels using the handheld meter, record phase-to-phase…
Test electrical systems to determine voltages, using voltage meters.
+Carry out voltage checks on the traction substation panels using the handheld meter, record phase-to-phase and phase-to-neutral readings, compare against nominal values, tag any panel that reads outside tolerance and raise an electrical fault ticket before leaving the site.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSO*NET
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Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.
+Weigh each bunker transfer batch and measure fuel volume at delivery, reconcile against the fuel receipt…
Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.
+Weigh each bunker transfer batch and measure fuel volume at delivery, reconcile against the fuel receipt ticket and the tank gauge, record mass and volume with the timestamp in the fuel consumption log, and flag discrepancies over two percent for the fuel clerk.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft ExcelO*NET
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Ignite fuel in burners, using torches or flames.
+Light the standby burner in Plant Room B at the scheduled test window using the handheld ignition torch,…
Ignite fuel in burners, using torches or flames.
+Light the standby burner in Plant Room B at the scheduled test window using the handheld ignition torch, confirm stable flame and correct flame pattern, verify flame sensor response and stack temperature, then record start time and safety checks in the burner test log.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSO*NET
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Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes.
+Check ventilation shaft air samples at platform B2 and the main fan room, log particulate and CO2 readings,…
Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes.
+Check ventilation shaft air samples at platform B2 and the main fan room, log particulate and CO2 readings, adjust damper and fan speed until readings meet the transit air quality standard, and file compliance note with the shift supervisor before 20:00.
The tools that do the workBuilding management systemO*NET
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Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.
+Meet the plumber at service bay 3, hand over the isolation key, assist with exposing the broken waste line,…
Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.
+Meet the plumber at service bay 3, hand over the isolation key, assist with exposing the broken waste line, hold pipe alignment while they fit the replacement coupling, pressure-test the repair, and sign the work order when the leak is cleared.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSO*NET
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Investigate and report on accidents.
+Secure the scene, interview the driver and two witnesses, photograph skid marks and equipment, gather…
Investigate and report on accidents.
+Secure the scene, interview the driver and two witnesses, photograph skid marks and equipment, gather pressure and temperature logs from the last 24 hours, write the incident report with timeline and probable cause, and submit it to operations safety by 08:00 tomorrow.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordO*NET
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Maintain logs of equipment operation
+Update the equipment log for shift C: record turbine RPMs, oil pressures, filter change status, meter…
Maintain logs of equipment operation
+Update the equipment log for shift C: record turbine RPMs, oil pressures, filter change status, meter readings and any anomalies, total the running hours for each unit, and circulate the log to maintenance and the incoming operator at handover.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft Exceljob descriptions
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Fire coal furnaces or feed boilers using gas or oil
+Light and maintain the boiler #2 furnace using the scheduled blend of gas and oil, monitor flame stability…
Fire coal furnaces or feed boilers using gas or oil
+Light and maintain the boiler #2 furnace using the scheduled blend of gas and oil, monitor flame stability and combustion temperature, adjust feed valves to hold steam pressure at 10 bar, and note fuel use and any adjustments in the boiler log.
The tools that do the workBuilding management systemjob descriptions
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Record operational data and maintenance activities
+Record today's operational data: start and stop times, key sensor values, maintenance tasks completed, parts…
Record operational data and maintenance activities
+Record today's operational data: start and stop times, key sensor values, maintenance tasks completed, parts used, and signature; upload the entry to the asset history and notify maintenance lead that the record is available.
The tools that do the workComputerized maintenance management system CMMSWikipedia
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Operational data store
+Log the train service start and end times, driver handover notes, passenger load incidents and signal delays…
Operational data store
+Log the train service start and end times, driver handover notes, passenger load incidents and signal delays into the operational data store, record the trespass incident on Platform 3, and notify control room supervisor Maya immediately.
The tools that do the workOperational Data Store ODSO*NET
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Says who?
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses