Plant Operators oversee operating and controlling the equipment that generates power in coal, nuclear, gas, and other power plants. Plant Operators must be able to monitor and inspect equipment and indicators to detect operating problems and regulate equipment operations and conditions based on data from instruments or computers. They also operate power generating equipment including boilers, turbines, generators, and reactors.

Think you have what it takes to be a plant operator? Plant operators must be curious about how things work and not afraid to ask questions. They solve problems, so they need to work for long periods of time without being distracted.

As a plant operator, you would have many opportunities to grow in your career. Preferred qualifications for powerplant operators is a high school diploma, but many employers prefer workers who have a college degree or education from a technical school. Science and Math backgrounds are necessary to do this job well. The median salary for a Power Plant Operator is $79,860.

Preparing for a career as a plant operator can follow several strong education and training pathways. Whether you're interested in power generation, industrial processing, or utility operations, Georgia officers programs that build the technical, mechanical, and safety skills employers look for. 

Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) offers many relevant programs including: 

• Industrial Systems Technology
• Electrical Systems Technology
• Electronics Technology
• Mechatronics
• Engineering Technology

University Engineering & Technology Degrees:

• Kennesaw State University
• Georgia Southern University
• Georgia Tech

Southern Nuclear and Georgia Power offer extensive training programs that combine classroom instruction with supervised, on-the-job training.