What does a Boiler Operator do?

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read

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.

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Boiler operator responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real boiler operator resumes:

  • Manage an internal environmental information system and ensure compliance with EPA and RCRA regulations.
  • Experience in welding, brazing, soldering etc.
  • Crane operator and highly experience CDL driver with tanker and hazmat endorsements.
  • Analyze operating data to make sure the equipment run at optimal levels.
  • Run, repair or troubleshoot electrical systems, both high and low voltages.
  • Create and update safety reporting for injuries and lose time including OSHA compliance logs.
  • Work with VFD's for distribution of heating hot water, domestic hot water.
  • Design layouts, programme & troubleshoot old system to adapt to newly install system.
  • Maintain electrical power, heating, ventilation, refrigeration, water, and sewerage systems.
  • Straighten and reshape bent pressure vessel plates and structure parts, using hammers, jacks, and torches.
  • Test boiler safety components as scheduled, low and high level cutoffs, pop valves, fuel safety switches.
  • Fix any problems associate with the boiler and chillers and perform minor maintain on off shifts when maintain personnel are not present
  • Travele internationally performing start up of rental boilers.
  • Maintain mechanical parameters of the boiler and condensers.
  • Maintain GMP documentation and records for regulatory inspections.

Boiler operator skills and personality traits

We calculated that 6% of Boiler Operators are proficient in Preventive Maintenance, Air Compressors, and Boiler Room. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration skills, Dexterity, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Boiler Operators that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Preventive Maintenance, 6%

    Maintained and monitored auxiliary equipment for boiler operations Performed preventive maintenance on equipment; progressing to a Journeyman level in Operations.

  • Air Compressors, 5%

    Involved with the maintenance and repair of feed pumps, air compressors, valves, piping systems, and hoppers.

  • Boiler Room, 5%

    Performed other preventative maintenance related to safety and security of all boiler room operations and hospital equipment as assigned.

  • Chillers, 5%

    Operated boilers chillers air handlers to maintain building for operations

  • HVAC, 4%

    Operate boilers and other machinery associated to boiler operations, HVAC system Operation and other machinery associated to there operations.

  • Steam Boilers, 4%

    Operated facility steam boilers and performed routine testing.

"preventive maintenance," "air compressors," and "boiler room" are among the most common skills that boiler operators use at work. You can find even more boiler operator responsibilities below, including:

See the full list of boiler operator skills

The three companies that hire the most boiler operators are:

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Compare different boiler operators

Boiler operator vs. Shift engineer

A shift engineer conducts maintenance operations and ensures a company's engineering policies are upheld. They supervise a team, perform preventative maintenance, take orders, keep records, and control inventory. This position requires good communication skills, time management skills, and previous experience in the field.

The annual salary of shift engineers is $41,455 higher than the average salary of boiler operators.While the two careers have a salary gap, they share some of the same responsibilities. Employees in both boiler operator and shift engineer positions are skilled in preventive maintenance, air compressors, and hvac.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between boiler operators and shift engineer. For instance, boiler operator responsibilities require skills such as "boiler room," "chillers," "steam boilers," and "auxiliary equipment." Whereas a shift engineer is skilled in "maintenance tasks," "kitchen equipment," "guest rooms," and "electrical systems." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Shift engineers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $94,852. Comparatively, boiler operators tend to make the most money in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $54,473.On average, shift engineers reach similar levels of education than boiler operators. Shift engineers are 3.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Boiler operator vs. Watch engineer

A watch engineer designs and develops equipment according to project concepts and requirements. Although their responsibilities vary upon their industry or company of employment, it typically includes conducting research and analyses to establish plans, produce prototypes, create and implement test structures, troubleshoot problems, and develop strategies to optimize operations. They may also oversee the performance of staff and provide technical support and guidance as needed. Moreover, as a watch engineer, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with team members for efficient progress.

Watch engineer positions earn higher pay than boiler operator roles. They earn a $42,124 higher salary than boiler operators per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both boiler operators and watch engineers have skills such as "preventive maintenance," "air compressors," and "chillers. "

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, boiler operator responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "boiler room," "steam boilers," "ladders," and "auxiliary equipment." Meanwhile, a watch engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "architecture," "safety equipment," "electrical systems," and "emergency generators." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Watch engineers earn similar levels of education than boiler operators in general. They're 2.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Boiler operator vs. Stationary engineer

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.

On average scale, stationary engineers bring in higher salaries than boiler operators. In fact, they earn a $19,381 higher salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on boiler operators and stationary engineers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "preventive maintenance," "air compressors," and "boiler room.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, boiler operators are more likely to have skills like "chillers," "safety devices," "safety procedures," and "water chemistry." But a stationary engineer is more likely to have skills like "patients," "ventilation," "troubleshoot," and "emergency generators."

Stationary engineers make a very good living in the health care industry with an average annual salary of $77,154. On the other hand, boiler operators are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $54,473.stationary engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to boiler operators. Specifically, they're 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Boiler operator vs. Pump house engineer

Pump house engineers average a higher salary than the annual salary of boiler operators. The difference is about $20,081 per year.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A boiler operator uses "preventive maintenance," "air compressors," "boiler room," and "chillers." Pump house engineers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "audio equipment," "microphone placement," "pro tools," and "ran. "pump house engineers reach similar levels of education compared to boiler operators, in general. The difference is that they're 3.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of boiler operator

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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