Military Power Plant Operators
Military Career
General Information
Description
Power plant operators control power-generating plants on land and aboard ships and submarines. They operate boilers, turbines, nuclear reactors, and portable generators. Power plant operators are also responsible for administering, managing, and evaluating shipboard engineering programs.
Explore this career outside the MilitaryWork Environment
Power plant operators usually work indoors. They are subject to high temperatures and noise.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Manufacturing
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Power Plant Operators in the Military
22,486
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$80,869
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,749 - $206,836
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
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High school 73%
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Post-secondary certificate 20%
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Associate's degree 3%
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Some college 1%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Bachelor's degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
Military training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Power plant operators in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include: Operation of pressure boilersOperation and maintenance of reactor control systemsOperation and maintenance of mechanical systems on nuclear powered ships and submarines
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
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