Stationary Engineers Description OES Code: 95032 Operate and maintain stationary engines and mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers. CA Wages/hour/nonunion median range New, no experience: $10.00 $8.30 – $13.00 New, experienced: $12.00 $9.75 – $15.00 3 yrs+ experience: $16.00 $11.50 – $17.50 CA Wages/hour/union median range New, no experience: $17.00 $11.00 – $17.00 New, experienced: $26.00 $12.00 – $27.00 3 yrs+ experience: $27.00 $15.00 – $27.00 Local Wages • CCOIS Survey • OES Survey Hours & Benefits Engineers generally work eight hours a day, 40 hours a week. However, in plants that operate around the clock, engineers often rotate night and weekend duty, with extra pay for late shifts. Engineers on rotating shifts may work six or seven days at a stretch and then get two to four consecutive days off. Engineers may also be called to work at any time to handle emergencies, at a higher rate of pay. Almost all employers provide medical, dental, vision and life insurance in addition to sick leave, vacation and retirement. Employment Trends Employment 1996 3,560 Projected Employment 2006 3,710 Growth Rate 1996-2006 4.2% Openings due to Separations 720 Employment Trends by California County The trend toward automated, centralized control of building operations has not reduced the need for Stationary Engineers. When automated systems are installed in older buildings, they often take the place of simpler systems and equipment that had not required the high-level services of Stationary Engineers. Furthermore, Stationary Engineers not only operate, but also maintain these sophisticated systems. Automated systems typically require fewer operators but more maintenance personnel. Technically trained engineers must also be available to take over manually if the system should fail. Due to the increasing complexity of power-generating systems, job opportunities will be best for those with apprenticeship training or vocational school courses in computerized controls and instrumentation. Although there are relatively few job openings for Stationary Engineers at any given time, highly skilled Stationary Engineers are currently in short supply and have little difficulty finding employment. Advancement Journey-level engineers may become senior or assistant chief engineers, whose job is to supervise workers and activities on a single shift. Some advance to chief engineer or to superintendent of buildings and grounds, responsible for all facility operations. Getting the Job & Other Information Journey-level engineers usually find work through their union or by direct application to employers. Engineers seeking government jobs must pass civil service examinations. Applicants for apprenticeship programs should inquire at district offices of the Stationary Engineers Union. Those who pass the written exam and the screening process will be assigned to jobs as openings occur. Persons interested in helper positions should apply at the personnel offices of large firms. For current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. References Note: The references below (and/or on other parts of this page) will link to pages on the internet outside the Career Video system. California Occupational Guide: Stationary Engineers #234 Related Occupation: HVAC Mechanics #32, Maintenance Mechanics #136, Water & Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators #443 Training: California State Training Inventory © State of California EDD/LMID, US Department of Labor Unless indicated otherwise, wage data is based on Statewide aggregated CCOIS survey responses between 1995 and 1997. Questions or Comments? Contact us.

Click arrow at bottom left of image to begin. Requires QuickTime Education and Training Some Stationary Engineers begin as maintenance or refrigeration mechanics, or as boiler operators or helpers. Over many years, they may pick up additional skills on the job. Good training and related maintenance experience may also be obtained in the navy or merchant marine. However, most training authorities recommend formal apprenticeship programs as the fastest and surest way to learn and enter the trade. Stationary Engineer apprenticeship programs combine four years of on-the-job training with classroom instruction in subjects such as physics, electricity, electronics, blueprint reading, steam boilers, air conditioning, refrigeration, and welding. Persons who are not in apprenticeship training should supplement their work experience with community college, trade school, or home study courses in these subjects. Apprenticeship programs are sponsored by joint labor-management apprenticeship committees located in various parts of the State. New apprentices are selected at least every two years. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED certificate. Applicants must also pass a written examination and personal interview. High school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, electronics, mechanical drawing, and machine shop are helpful but not required. The work requires manual dexterity, mechanical aptitude, and a great deal of physical activity. Journey-level engineers must continue to keep abreast of new technological developments. To help them do so, the Stationary Engineers Union provides classes and correspondence courses for members. Skills & Other Requirements Engineers are responsible for the safe, efficient operation of all systems under their control. Generally they make regular rounds of equipment areas, reading meters and gauges, listening to the machinery, and adjusting the controls as required. Periodically they perform tests and take corrective action, such as adding chemicals to the boilers to prevent corrosion and scale. In large, automated facilities, engineers in a central control room monitor conditions throughout the plant by watching video display terminals and checking computer printouts that show instrument readings from machinery in remote locations. Necessary adjustments often can be made simply by typing commands to the main computer on the computer terminal keyboard. If machinery breaks down or malfunctions occur, engineers are responsible for locating the source of trouble and making or arranging for all the necessary repairs. Using hand and power tools, they may replace or modify defective parts, fabricate new parts, or completely overhaul the equipment. When necessary, they contact the equipment manufacturer or call in the appropriate specialist. For each shift, engineers keep a log of test results, instrument readings, and any preventive or corrective maintenance work performed. In many establishments, Stationary Engineers handle all aspects of the job; in others, they are assisted by apprentices, helpers, or maintenance personnel. Working Conditions Stationary Engineers work in food processing and other industrial plants, hospitals, airports, and other major buildings and complexes. Some travel to perform maintenance work for building service firms. Equipment rooms may be noisy or hot, while control rooms are quiet and cool. Some engineers are stationed in one location, such as a central control room or high pressure boiler plant, which requires continuous attention. Others circulate throughout the premises, checking each place in which equipment is installed. Considerable standing and walking are required. Work areas are generally clean. However, when repairing machinery, Stationary Engineers are exposed to dust, grease, and oil. Many engineers belong to a Stationary Engineers' local of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Some belong to industrial unions or unions representing government employees. Engineers may also join related groups such as the National Association of Power Engineers.