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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Hydroelectric Plant Technicians

Median Salary
97,010
Job Outlook
-2%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Monitor and control activities associated with hydropower generation. Operate plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, and battery banks. Monitor equipment operation and performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Perform equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is projected to decline 8 percent from 2023 to 2033. About 3,800 openings for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$40,040

10%

$97,010

Median

$118,590

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Associate's degree

    34%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    33%

  • Some college

    22%

  • Bachelor's degree

    6%

  • High school

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Power Plant Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Education and Training
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Computers and Electronics

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.