Plant and System Operators, All Other
Plant and system operators monitor and control equipment and processes in industrial facilities that don't fall into more specialized categories. They work in manufacturing plants, utilities, refineries, and other industrial settings where they oversee machinery, adjust controls, and ensure systems run safely and efficiently.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against plant and system operators, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Operators spend shifts monitoring control panels, gauges, and computer displays to track system performance. They adjust valves, switches, and settings to maintain proper operating conditions, perform routine maintenance and inspections, and record data about production and equipment status. When problems arise, they troubleshoot issues and coordinate with maintenance staff or supervisors to resolve them quickly.
Who this work suits
You're suited for this work if you're detail-oriented, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working with technical equipment. You perform well following procedures, staying alert during long shifts, and taking responsibility for keeping systems running reliably.
What it takes
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- WATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR (Plumbing Worker) LEADER · Air Combat Command · Hurlburt Field, Florida · $68015–$79347
- Boiler Plant Operator · Veterans Health Administration · Wilmington, Delaware · $30.62–$35.77
- Boiler Plant Operator · Veterans Health Administration · Buffalo, New York · $32.2–$37.49
- Boiler Plant Operator-Detail NTE 120 days · Veterans Health Administration · Walla Walla, Washington · $31.28–$36.5
- Boiler Plant Operator · Veterans Health Administration · Phoenix, Arizona · $33.99–$39.66
- Boiler Plant Operator Supervisor · Veterans Health Administration · Waco, Texas · $35.5–$41.42
- Fuel Distribution System Operator · U.S. Coast Guard · Clearwater, Florida · $29.93–$34.93
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $96,890 | $120,660 | $121,220 | 40 |
| Washington | $80,460 | $88,730 | $95,560 | 190 |
| Minnesota | $78,150 | $88,290 | $96,170 | 200 |
| Maryland | $75,820 | $81,890 | $88,070 | 270 |
| Montana | $67,210 | $81,340 | $83,660 | 170 |
| Nevada | $61,690 | $80,000 | $101,480 | 150 |
| California | $63,650 | $78,020 | $95,500 | 1,560 |
| Illinois | $74,400 | $77,780 | $84,220 | 230 |
| Iowa | $69,770 | $75,800 | $80,450 | 50 |
| New York | $67,660 | $74,700 | $79,620 | 310 |
| Oklahoma | $61,140 | $74,240 | $86,690 | 80 |
| Kansas | $68,830 | $74,190 | $78,770 | 60 |
All 44 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Landfill Gas Systems Operations & Maintenance — Solid Waste Association of North America
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against plant and system operators, all other and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-8099.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.