For Educators: Military Resources
Military Power Plant Operators
Median Salary
87,818
Workforce Count
18,054
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
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.
What is the work environment like?
Power plant operators usually work indoors. They are subject to high temperatures and noise.
How many people have this role in the Military?
18,054
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
$98,597
2 Years
$75,426
6 Years
$98,597
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. Power plant operators in the Military will gain skills through classroom study and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training may include:
- Operation of pressure boilers
- Operation and maintenance of reactor control systems
- Operation and maintenance of mechanical systems on nuclear powered ships and submarines
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Power Plant 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?
- Mechanical
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Public Safety and Security
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.
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