Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
Biomass Plant Technicians
SOC: 51-8013 O*NET: 51-8013.03
Median Salary
$99,670
per year
Job Growth
📉 -11.2%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
What does a Biomass Plant Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$59,930
10th percentile
Early Career
$77,400
25th percentile
Median
$99,670
50th percentile
Experienced
$111,980
75th percentile
Top Earners
$128,760
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$59,930
25th
$77,400
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$99,670
Mean: $95,990
75th
$111,980
90th
$128,760
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $68,830 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $77,400 and $111,980
- •Salary spread is 34.7% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 30,720 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Low Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:31,600
Top Industries
Utilities70%
Utilities70%
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution67.7%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:-11.2%
Annual Openings:2,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)31,600
Current
2034 (Projected)28,000
-11.2%
-3,500
Employment Change
-11.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Decline
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Biomass Plant Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
2,390 jobs$105,5200.66x
New York
2,350 jobs$121,7601.24x
Texas
1,880 jobs$103,1200.68x
Illinois
1,630 jobs$103,0201.35x
Pennsylvania
1,380 jobs$85,2601.16x
Florida
1,330 jobs$84,0300.68x
Michigan
1,200 jobs$103,8801.37x
Massachusetts
1,060 jobs$102,0801.47x
Indiana
900 jobs$102,7301.42x
Arizona
890 jobs$107,2101.39x
South Carolina
850 jobs$78,5801.87x
Missouri
760 jobs$86,2401.31x
Alaska
750 jobs$85,07011.67x
Alabama
730 jobs$103,6401.76x
Virginia
730 jobs$78,4600.91x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Operation and Control
94%
#3
Critical Thinking
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Complex Problem Solving
74%
#6
Monitoring
66%
#7
Active Listening
60%
#8
Quality Control Analysis
54%
#9
Reading Comprehension
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.7
94%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.7
74%
Monitoring
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Listening
intermediate3.0
60%
Quality Control Analysis
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders90%
5 shared skills
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic90%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Inspectors82%
5 shared skills
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels82%
5 shared skills
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders82%
5 shared skills
Chemical Plant and System Operators82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Monitoring
- →Active Listening
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Operation and Control
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Operation and Control
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Complex Problem Solving
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Biomass Plant Technicians
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (3)General Responsibilities (11)Documentation & Record-Keeping (4)Communication & Coordination (1)Operations & Execution (2)
1
Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development85% perform90%
7
Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Communication & Coordination73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Biomass Plant Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Biomass Plant Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value working conditions
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Biomass Plant Technicians
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.11
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.00
Cooperation
ImportantCooperation
Importance Level3.99
Stress Tolerance
ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level3.87
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.59
Adaptability/Flexibility
ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level3.59
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.1
Attention to Detail
4.0
Cooperation
4.0
Stress Tolerance
3.9
Initiative
3.6
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.6
Self-Control
3.6
Independence
3.5
Persistence
3.5
Integrity
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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