Stationary Engineers
Overview
Introduction
Stationary engineers operate and maintain boilers, engines, air compressors, generators, and other equipment used in providing utilities such as heat, ventilation, light, and power for large buildings, industrial plants, and other facilities. They are called stationary engineers because the equipment they work with is similar to equipment on ships or locomotives, except that it is stationary rather than located on a moving vehicle. There are approximately 32,520 stationary engineers employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Earnings of stationary engineers vary widely, but ranged from less than $39,050 to $100,080 or more annually in May 2019, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The median annual salary was $62,150. In metropolitan areas, where most jobs are located, earnings tend to be higher than other areas.
New apprentices earn 45 to 60 percent of the journey-level rate. As their training progres...
Work Environment
Stationary engineers usually work eight-hour shifts, five days a week. The plants where they work may operate 24 hours a day, so some stationary engineers regularly work afternoon or night shifts, weekends, or holidays. Some work rotating shifts. Occasionally overtime hours are necessary, such as when equipment breaks down or new equipment is being installed.
Most boiler rooms, power pla...
Outlook
Employment for stationary engineers is expected to grow by 3 percent through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Slow employment growth is due to declining job demand in manufacturing. In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic affected many industries, with business operations either shut down or resumed with fewer workers. Stationary engineers are considered "essential workers," how...