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Power plant operator education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, power plant operators don't need a college education. The most common degree for power plant operators is bachelor's degree with 36% graduates, with only 28% power plant operator graduates earning associate degree. Power plant operators who decided to graduate from college often finish Youngstown State University or Maine Maritime Academy. Some good skills to have in this position include plant equipment, steam boilers and auxiliary equipment.

What education do you need to become a power plant operator?

What degree do you need to be a power plant operator?

The most common degree for power plant operators is bachelor's degree, with 36% of power plant operators earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 28% and associate degree degree at 19%.
  • Bachelor's, 36%
  • Associate, 28%
  • High School Diploma, 19%
  • Diploma, 9%
  • Other Degrees, 8%

What should I major in to become a power plant operator?

You should major in electrical engineering to become a power plant operator. 10% of power plant operators major in electrical engineering. Other common majors for a power plant operator include electrical engineering technology and business.

Best majors for power plant operators

20 best online courses for power plant operators

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1. Sustainable Urban Water Systems

coursera

The MOOC “Sustainable Urban Water Systems” aims to provide knowledge about modern and sustainable solutions for urban water management in water-sensitive cities. The focus is on stormwater control and water supply strategies for the mitigation of effects on the water cycles due to human settlements and climate change. In particular, the integration of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) into urban drainage systems, the use of alternative water resources, and the reduction of losses and waste, make...

2. Power System: Generation, Transmission and Protection

coursera

The course “Electrical Power Generation” enables the learner to understand the power sector scenario from generation, transmission, and distribution components. The learner will have an overview of generation from thermal power plants, its auxiliaries, and the control strategy adopted in the generation plant, which will give a virtual feel of the power sector functioning.\n\nThrough the “Power Transmission System with Industrial Applications” course, learners will focus on the structure of the...

3. Design of Water Treatment Systems for Beginners

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Learn how to fully design a water treatment system for small to medium scale projects...

4. Water Treatment Process Design

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design water treatment& RO/NF plants, sand& multimedia filter, iron& manganese removal filter, Ion exchange DI& softener...

5. Renewable Power and Electricity Systems

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The energy revolution in underway. Renewable energy is growing at an astounding pace - notably in electricity. Wind turbines and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems account for most new power plants built worldwide, and are essential to building a low-carbon and sustainable energy future. As a result, there are countless new opportunities in renewable electricity. This course provides a solid grounding in the basics of renewable electricity. We'll start with how electricity is measured, how...

6. Heat Exchangers: Design , Operation & Maintenance

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A complete understanding of construction details , functionning and design of heat exchangers for successful operation...

7. Electrical Control & Protection Systems

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This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

8. Electrical Control & Protection Systems part 2

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This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical substation...

9. Operating Systems Final Part (4): File Systems & Threads

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Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

10. HVAC Fundamentals and BMS Controls

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Build your knowledge systematically, from the working principles of HVAC to optimizing a chiller plant operation...

11. SAP Plant Maintenance(PM) Module Online Classes

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Functional Module SAP Plant Maintenance(PM) with Configuration...

12. Operating Systems Part 3: Synchronization and Deadlock

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Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

13. Functional Safety for Safety Instrumented Systems

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The most complete course available on Functional Safety. 2+ hours of videos, case studies, assignments, & more...

14. Control Systems Made Simple Beginner's Guide

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Learn fundamentals of Mechanical & electrical system modeling, simulation and control with this unique practical course!...

15. Operating Systems from scratch - Part 2

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Learn memory management in operating systems as operating system forms the core of computer science...

16. Electrical Control & Protection Part 4

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This course introduces electrical control & protection systems which are a critical part of any electrical network...

17. Operating Systems from scratch - Part 1

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Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

18. Real World SAP - Plant Maintenance Orders and Notifications

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Learn SAP PM / EAM with a focus on real world scenarios...

19. Advanced Process Control & Safety Instrumented Systems SIS

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Learn how the main process equipment such as chemical reactors , pumps , compressors & heat exchangers are controlled...

20. Centrifugal compressors: Principles, Operation and design

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A complete understanding of construction details and functioning of centrifugal compressors for successful operations...

Average power plant operator salary by education level

Power plant operators with a Bachelor's degree earn more than those without, at $52,779 annually. With a Associate degree, power plant operators earn a median annual income of $49,483 compared to $47,257 for power plant operators with an High School Diploma degree.
Power plant operator education levelPower plant operator salary
High School Diploma or Less$47,257
Bachelor's Degree$52,779
Some College/ Associate Degree$49,483

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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