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.

Also called: Hydro Plant Technician (Hydro Plant Tech), Hydro Technician (Hydro Tech), Hydroelectric Mechanic, Hydroelectric Operations and Maintenance Technician (Hydro O and M Technician), Hydroelectric Operator, Hydroelectric Plant Mechanic, Operations and Maintenance Technician (O and M Technician), Plant Mechanic, Power Plant Mechanic, Power Plant Technician (Power Plant Tech), Communications and Instrumentation Mechanic (C and I Mechanic), Hydro Mechanic, Hydro Operator, Hydroelectric Machinery Mechanic, Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Technician (Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Tech), Hydroelectric Operations Maintenance Worker, Hydroelectric Plant Electrician, Hydroelectric Plant Installation Technician (Hydroelectric Plant Installation Tech), Hydroelectric Plant Operations and Maintenance Technician (Hydroelectric Plant O and M Tech), Hydroelectric Plant Operator, Hydroelectric Plant Technician (Hydroelectric Plant Tech), Hydroelectric Production Technician (Hydroelectric Production Tech), Hydroelectric Systems Technician (Hydroelectric Systems Tech), Plant Operations Worker, Power Plant Operator, Traveling Operator

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

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.
Communicate status of hydroelectric operating equipment to dispatchers or supervisors.
Operate high voltage switches or related devices in hydropower stations.
Operate hydroelectric plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, or battery banks.
Maintain or repair hydroelectric plant electrical, mechanical, or electronic equipment, such as motors, transformers, voltage regulators, generators, relays, battery systems, air compressors, sump pumps, gates, or valves.
Implement load or switching orders in hydroelectric plants, in accordance with specifications or instructions.

Skills, machines and equipment

Critical Thinking
Operations Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Operation and Control
Monitoring
Repairing
Troubleshooting
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Judgment and Decision Making
Writing

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree (34.02% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

79,690–119,080 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-8013.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree (34.02% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
O*NET Job Zone 3: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Hydroelectric Plant Technicians