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, production workers in energy can earn double the salary of what their counterparts in other industries are getting.
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
- Team work
- Leading and coordinating others in everyday situations as well as in emergencies (for example, in a major storm)
| Job Title | Median Hourly Wage |
Typical Education Level Needed | Alternative Job Titles |
|---|---|---|---|
First-Line Supervisors/Managers of Production and Operating Workers
|
$25.10 | Work experience (in related occupation) | Plant Manager, Shift Supervisor |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $18.04 | Post secondary vocational training | Electrical Assembler |
| Power Distributors and Dispatchers
|
$35.06 | Long-term on-the-job training (> 12 months) | Gas Controller and Dispatcher |
| Power Plant Operators
|
$28.92 | Long-term on-the-job training (> 12 months) | Biofuel Plant Operator, Boiler Operator, Auxiliary Operator |
| Chemical Plant and System Operators
|
$20.24 | Long-term on-the-job training (> 12 months) | Process Technician, Process Operator |
| Gas Plant Operators | $25.30 | Long-term on-the-job training (> 12 months) | Liquid Natural Gas Plant Operator |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $16.82 | 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
