Monitor and control activities associated with hydropower generation. Operate plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, and battery banks. Monitor equipment operation and performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Perform equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
SOC: 51-8013 O*NET: 51-8013.04
Median Salary
$102,040
per year
Job Growth
📉 -11.2%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
Monitor and control activities associated with hydropower generation. Operate plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, and battery banks. Monitor equipment operation and performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Perform equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.
What does a Hydroelectric Plant Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$61,790
10th percentile
Early Career
$79,690
25th percentile
Median
$102,040
50th percentile
Experienced
$119,080
75th percentile
Top Earners
$131,940
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$61,790
25th
$79,690
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$102,040
Mean: $99,790
75th
$119,080
90th
$131,940
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $70,150 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $79,690 and $119,080
- •Salary spread is 38.6% around the median, showing moderate variation
- •Total national employment: 29,320 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
Utilities69.6%
Utilities69.6%
Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution67.2%
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 Hydroelectric Plant Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 49 locations
California
2,610 jobs$105,2100.76x
Texas
2,100 jobs$102,5100.79x
New York
1,960 jobs$106,9901.07x
Florida
1,640 jobs$94,2900.88x
Michigan
1,220 jobs$105,8201.47x
Indiana
1,190 jobs$107,0001.97x
Illinois
1,160 jobs$104,4401.01x
Pennsylvania
1,010 jobs$95,8000.89x
Minnesota
970 jobs$94,3901.75x
Massachusetts
880 jobs$100,1401.29x
Alabama
790 jobs$107,0801.99x
Ohio
730 jobs$104,1600.70x
Kentucky
690 jobs$93,4001.83x
South Carolina
680 jobs$79,9001.56x
Alaska
650 jobs$88,87010.60x
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 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Employment decline projected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operations Monitoring
100%
#2
Mechanical
100%
#3
Oral Comprehension
100%
#4
Operation and Control
94%
#5
Problem Sensitivity
92%
#6
Public Safety and Security
90%
#7
Critical Thinking
86%
#8
Deductive Reasoning
82%
#9
Speaking
80%
#10
English Language
80%
Skills Overview
Operations Monitoring
advanced5.0
100%
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Operation and Control
advanced4.7
94%
Problem Sensitivity
advanced4.6
92%
Public Safety and Security
advanced4.5
90%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.3
86%
Deductive Reasoning
intermediate4.1
82%
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
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operation and Control
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Problem Sensitivity
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Public Safety and Security
advancedImportance90%
knowledge
4.5/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Deductive Reasoning
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
English Language
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
Near Vision
intermediateImportance74%
abilities
3.7/5.0
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
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Public Safety and Security
- ✓English Language
Learn on the Job:
- →Quality Control Analysis
- →Monitoring
- →Active Listening
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Public Safety and Security
- ✓English Language
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Mechanical
- ★Public Safety and Security
- ★English Language
- ★Operation and Control
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 Hydroelectric 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 Hydroelectric 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?
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value achievement
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.62
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.43
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.35
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.34
Independence
Very ImportantIndependence
Importance Level4.29
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.27
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.6
Integrity
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.3
Dependability
4.3
Independence
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Cooperation
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Persistence
4.0
Concern for Others
4.0
💡 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
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Hydroelectric Plant Technicians.
Browse Training Programs →The Apprenticeship Route: Earn While You Learn
You don't necessarily need to pay for school to enter this field. There are 63 registered apprenticeship sponsors for this occupation in the U.S. DOL system — including 33 union/joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one, typically starting at 40–50% of the journeyman rate, and finish with no tuition debt.
Most sponsors: KS (6) , AK (4) , CO (4) , GA (4) , SD (4)
How apprenticeships work →Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov)
Trade Colleges That Train for Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Top trade colleges by completions in fields that prepare students for this career.
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
2.3k program completions/year
Texas State Technical College
Waco, TX
1.2k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Houston
Houston, TX
1.2k program completions/year
Tulsa Welding School-Jacksonville
Jacksonville, FL
984 program completions/year
South Florida Institute of Technology
Miami, FL
891 program completions/year
SOWELA Technical Community College
Lake Charles, LA
870 program completions/year
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Lexington, KY
821 program completions/year
Refrigeration School Inc
Phoenix, AZ
781 program completions/year
Stark State College
North Canton, OH
731 program completions/year
River Parishes Community College
Gonzales, LA
695 program completions/year
Central Piedmont Community College
Charlotte, NC
679 program completions/year
Lee College
Baytown, TX
601 program completions/year