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: Communications and Instrumentation Mechanic (C and I Mechanic), Hydro Mechanic, Hydro Operator, Hydro Plant Technician (Hydro Plant Tech), Hydro Technician (Hydro Tech), Hydroelectric Machinery Mechanic
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.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Are you OK with hours that change?
The hard parts
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Work outdoors in all weather
Hydroelectric 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 hydroelectric plant technicians do
- 01Monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specifications, as necessary.
- 02Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
- 03Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants.
- 04Perform preventive or corrective containment or cleanup measures in hydroelectric plants to prevent environmental contamination.
- 05Inspect water-powered electric generators or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric plants to verify proper operation or to determine maintenance or repair needs.
- 06Communicate status of hydroelectric operating equipment to dispatchers or supervisors.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 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 hydroelectric plant technicians
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians92% · —
- Geothermal Technicians90% · group pay
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door87% · —
- Ship Engineers87% · —
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General85% · —
Change into hydroelectric plant technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Ship Engineers93% · $109,530
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians92% · $64,120
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay88% · $103,020
- Geothermal Technicians88% · $49,230
- Nuclear Technicians87% · $110,240
Majors that lead here
- Power Plant Technology/Technician
- Hydroelectric Energy Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.