How To Become A Generator Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a generator operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

The role of a generator operator is one of the most mission-critical roles in a power plant. Without them, a power plant will cease to operate, which tells just how important generator operators are in the industry.

A generator operator is responsible for controlling, operating, and maintaining machinery to produce electric power. Their duties typically include adjusting the controls of generators to generate power or distribute it, overseeing plant operations, maintaining and inspecting power plant equipment, as well as identifying deviations in operations and making necessary steps to correct them. That said, one needs to have good mechanical, analytical, and problem-solving skills to become a generator operator. They must also be physically fit due to the increased physical demands of the job.

To qualify as a generator operator, one is typically required to be a qualified electrician. Most generator operators start in entry-level positions in the electrical department and work their way up from there. And since there is no formal education requirement for this position, the majority of generator operators have high school diplomas or GEDs.

In this job, one can expect to make around $14.93 an hour or $31,057 per year. Almost every industry needs generator operators, hence, jobs are expected to grow as much as 6% between 2018 to 2028.

ScoreGenerator OperatorUS Average

Salary

2.5

Avg. Salary $31,481

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level

9.6

Growth Rate 6%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 6.33%

Black or African American 6.15%

Hispanic or Latino 15.07%

Unknown 4.33%

White 67.64%

Gender

female 25.30%

male 74.70%

Age - 44

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 44

Stress Level

9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level

9.2

Complexity Level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance

3.6

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a generator operator

Explore generator operator education requirements

Most common generator operator degrees

Bachelor's

31.8 %

High School Diploma

30.9 %

Associate

19.6 %

Start to develop specific generator operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Hand Tools	14.05%
Data Entry	12.32%
Quality Standards	10.42%
Hazardous Materials	7.30%
Calipers	7.22%

Complete relevant generator operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New generator operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a generator operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real generator operator resumes.

Research generator operator duties and responsibilities

Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Work with calipers, gauges and scales.
Rig up and rig down wireline equipment at location with no supervision.
Maneuver lifting devices around and under load pallets, and secure cargo for transport or shipment destination.

Prepare your generator operator resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your generator operator resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a generator operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose From 10+ Customizable Generator Operator Resume templates

Build a professional Generator Operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Generator Operator resume.

Apply for generator operator jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a generator operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

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