Production Careers in Energy
Production workers in energy are mostly employed in power plants, often combining the duties of operators and technicians.
Due to their high technical skills and union contracts, these workers can earn double the salary of what their counterparts in other industries earn.
A production career in energy could be for you if you like:
- Working with current tools and technology and learning about ones that are new and emerging
- Keeping equipment in top condition
- Teamwork
- Leading and coordinating others in everyday situations as well as in emergencies (such as in a major storm)
| Job Title | Median Hourly Wage |
Typical Education Level Needed | Alternative Job Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Distributors and Dispatchers | $36.16 | Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) | Gas Controller and Dispatcher |
| First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Production and Operating Workers | $25.61 | Work experience (in related occupation) | Plant Manager, Shift Supervisor |
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
|
$18.38 | Postsecondary vocational training | Electrical Assembler |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators | $17.66 | Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) | Process Technician, Process Operator |
| Power Plant Operators | $33.11 | Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) | Biofuel Plant Operator, Boiler Operator, Auxiliary Operator |
| Gas Plant Operators | $27.59 | Long-term on-the-job training (more than 12 months) | Liquid Natural Gas Plant Operator |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $19.60 | Moderate-term on-the-job training (1-12 months) | Process Operator |
Indicates better job availability relative to other occupations in Minnesota over the last six months.
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
