"I used to love tinkering in my granddad’s workshop. He taught me how to change the oil in the lawn mower and let me help him fix his power tools. I knew hands-on work was for me, so I applied to be a boiler mechanic right out of high school. As part of an apprenticeship program, I learned to install, repair, and maintain factory equipment and other machines. Every week, I get on-the-job training."

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Job Description

SOC Code: 11-9051

Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Repair maintenance
• Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing
• Corrective maintenance
• Interpreting electrical schematics
• Maintains equipment

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems
• Interacting With Others
  • Direct operational or production activities
• Information Input
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning
  • Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products
  • Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions
• Work Output
  • Operate energy production equipment
  • Operate pumping systems or equipment
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids
  • Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow
  • Repair production equipment or tools

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

 

• Trident
• Midlands
• Lowcountry
• Catawba

 

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• Winthrop University
• Department of the Navy
• Department of Defense
• ASRC Federal Holding Company
• Jones Lang LaSalle IP, Inc.

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Biomass Plant Technicians
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
• Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
• Hydroelectric Plant Technicians

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.