For Educators: Military Resources
Military Power Plant Mechanics
Median Salary
79,530
Workforce Count
31,365
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Power plant mechanics install, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment in power-generating stations. They maintain various types of power-generating equipment on land, ships, and submarines. They also support the mobile utility equipment that the Military provides as portable, temporary sources of electricity.
What is the work environment like?
Powerhouse mechanics work in equipment repair shops, power plant stations, or power-generating rooms aboard ships. Sometimes they work outdoors while repairing substation-generating equipment.
How many people have this role in the Military?
31,365
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$96,466
2 Years
$71,918
6 Years
$96,466
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Enlisted service members execute vital tasks, support operations alongside officers and develop role-specific skills to achieve mission success.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
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. Powerhouse mechanics in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:
- Principles of electricity
- Gas and diesel engine theories
- Hydraulic (fluid pressure) and pneumatic (air pressure) system maintenance
- Performing electrical assessments
- Generator and power plant operations
- Electrical generation and distribution
- Diesel generator operation, disassembly, inspection, and maintenance
Education
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
- Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other
- Automation Engineer Technology/Technician
- Computer Engineering Technology/Technician
- Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician
- Telecommunications Technology/Technician
- Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
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.
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
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