Career Trends: Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Stationary engineers and boiler operators control stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or for industrial purposes.

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.

Stationary engineers and boiler operators need at least a high school diploma and are trained on the job by more experienced engineers and operators. 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.

Employment of stationary engineers and boiler operators is projected to show little or no change from 2014 to 2024. Those with apprenticeship training will have the best job opportunities.

This occupation supported 37,900 jobs in 2012 and 39,100 jobs in 2014, reflecting an increase of 3.2%. In 2012, this occupation was projected to increase by 2.9% in 2022 to 39,000 jobs. As of 2014, to keep pace with prediction, the expected number of jobs was 38,100, compared with an observed value of 39,100, 2.6% higher than expected. This indicates current employment trends are better than the 2012 trend within this occupation. In 2014, this occupation was projected to increase by 1.6% in 2024 to 39,700 jobs. Linear extrapolation of the 2012 projection for 2022 results in an expected number of 39,200 jobs for 2024, 1.3% lower than the 2014 projection for 2024. This indicates expectations for future employment trends are about on track with the 2012 trend within this occupation.