Careers · Hydroelectric Plant Technicians · California
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians in California
Hydroelectric plant technicians monitor and operate equipment that generates electricity from flowing water. Working at hydropower facilities, they control turbines, pumps, valves, gates, and electric systems while tracking performance data and making adjustments to maintain efficient operation. In California the median pay is $105,210 a year, 3% above the national median of $102,040.
$105,210median pay in California, per year
$80,270–$132,600middle half earn
2,610employed in California
$102,040U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against hydroelectric plant technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against hydroelectric plant technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Critical ThinkingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceOperation and ControlMonitoringRepairingTroubleshootingReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
MechanicalPublic Safety and SecurityMathematics (knowledge)Engineering and TechnologyEducation and TrainingDesign
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Hydroelectric Plant Technicians.
Licenses and training in California
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians pay in other states
Washington · $131,620Nevada · $131,400New Jersey · $131,370Idaho · $124,440North Dakota · $122,160Hawaii · $121,700Tennessee · $115,920Maryland · $111,260Oregon · $109,830North Carolina · $108,300
Related occupations
Nuclear Power Reactor OperatorsPower Distributors and DispatchersPower Plant OperatorsBiomass Plant TechniciansStationary Engineers and Boiler OperatorsWater and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System OperatorsChemical Plant and System OperatorsGas Plant Operators
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against hydroelectric plant technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against hydroelectric plant technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-8013.04. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.