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The differences between stationary engineers and boiler operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a stationary engineer and a boiler operator. Additionally, a stationary engineer has an average salary of $69,163, which is higher than the $49,782 average annual salary of a boiler operator.
The top three skills for a stationary engineer include HVAC, preventive maintenance and plumbing. The most important skills for a boiler operator are preventive maintenance, air compressors, and boiler room.
| Stationary Engineer | Boiler Operator | |
| Yearly salary | $69,163 | $49,782 |
| Hourly rate | $33.25 | $23.93 |
| Growth rate | 4% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 5,010 | 32,715 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 2 |
Stationary Engineers are employees who are trained to operate machines and equipment. They mainly operate mechanical equipment, boilers, steam engines, and other stationary engines. They are also trained to conduct maintenance checks and basic repairs on such equipment. Stationary Engineers should be able to read gauges on the machines and assess the fuel levels. They are expected to monitor the machines and equipment and to track the operations. They are also expected to record and document the performance of the equipment. Sationary Engineers should know how to test the quality of the machines' outputs. This would help them manage the equipment.
A boiler operator specializes in the maintenance and repair of boiler machines and similar facilities in industrial establishments such as warehouses, power plants, and factories. As a boiler operator, it is their responsibility to monitor and operate systems and equipment, perform adjustments, observe factors such as temperature and pressure, write daily records, and replace equipment parts as needed. They may also maintain the cleanliness of areas, keeping supplies organized at all times. Furthermore, a boiler operator must conduct regular maintenance checks to ensure a safe and efficient work environment.
Stationary engineers and boiler operators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Stationary Engineer | Boiler Operator | |
| Average salary | $69,163 | $49,782 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $107,000 | Between $35,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Santa Rosa, CA | Ithaca, NY |
| Highest paying state | New York | New York |
| Best paying company | UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital | Southeastern Med |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a stationary engineer and a boiler operator in terms of educational background:
| Stationary Engineer | Boiler Operator | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 36% |
| Most common major | Heating And Air Conditioning | Engineering |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between stationary engineers' and boiler operators' demographics:
| Stationary Engineer | Boiler Operator | |
| Average age | 50 | 50 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.0% Female, 3.0% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% | Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Asian, 8.0% White, 59.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 4% | 4% |