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.

Wages, California
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $17.15
25th Percentile $19.67
50th Percentile $ 24.71
75th Percentile $ 29.85

Wages, San Joaquin County
Entry-Level Hourly Wage $18.13
25th Percentile $19.00
50th Percentile $21.58
75th Percentile $28.67

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS 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, California
Employment 1998 3,000
Projected Employment 2008 3,200
Percent Change 1998-2008 6.7%
Separations 1998-2008 700

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
Employment 1999 70
Projected Employment 2006 70
Percent Change 1999-2006 0%
Separations 1999-2006 10

Employment Trends by California County

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.

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.

References
California Occupational Guide: #234

Related Occupations: HVAC Mechanics, Maintenance Mechanics

Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)