Biomass Plant Technicians
Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
Also called: Auxiliary Operator, Biomass Boiler Operator, Biomass Plant Operator, Biomass Plant Technician, Central Heating Plant Operator, Centrifugal Chiller Technician
Median pay
$102,040
Pay for the broader BLS group “Power Plant Operators”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$61,790 – $131,940
People employed
29,320
Whole BLS group
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 3.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 4.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 5.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 6.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 7.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
The hard parts
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Work outdoors in all weather
Biomass Plant Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (49 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Power Plant Operators”.
What biomass plant technicians do
- 01Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
- 02Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers.
- 03Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
- 04Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.
- 05Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.
- 06Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Learning Strategies
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Chemistry
- English Language
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 4 years, up to and including 6 years.
- On-the-job training: over 4 years, up to and including 10 years.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from biomass plant technicians
- Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators86% · —
- Wellhead Pumpers85% · —
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers85% · —
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders85% · —
- Geothermal Technicians82% · group pay
Change into biomass plant technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators89% · $77,320
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders88% · $58,040
- Nuclear Technicians86% · $110,240
- Geothermal Technicians85% · $49,230
- Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers85% · $61,770
Majors that lead here
- Power Plant Technology/Technician
- Hydroelectric Energy Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.