Skilled Trades
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
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.
Median salary
$99,670
Typical range
$60k – $129k
Job outlook
See national outlook
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Plan a path to Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Education
Typical entry: No degree (trade/license)
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Junior Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Entry / Junior
$59,930
~2 yrs to advance
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Established
$99,670
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Senior
$114,215
Key skills
A typical day
- •Monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specifications, as necessary.
- •Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
- •Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants.
- •Perform preventive or corrective containment or cleanup measures in hydroelectric plants to prevent environmental contamination.
- •Inspect water-powered electric generators or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric plants to verify proper operation or to determine maintenance or repair needs.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Skilled Trades
Explore all- Purdue University50% admit · $78,000 grad pay
- Ohio State University53% admit · $68,000 grad pay
- Pennsylvania State University55% admit · $70,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.