Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operator Salary in 2026

    SOC: 51-8021.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $75,190
    per year
    Salary Range
    $47K – $121K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    30,780
    employed
    Job Growth
    +2.2%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Make?

    Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators earn a median annual salary of $75,190 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $47,310 at the 10th percentile to $121,200 at the 90th percentile — a range of $73,890. The highest-paying state is Illinois at $112,230.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$47,310
    25th percentile$60,110
    Median (50th)$75,190
    75th percentile$96,420
    90th percentile$121,200
    10th: $47,310Median: $75,19090th: $121,200
    Section 02

    Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operator Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Illinoistop$112,230
    Wyoming$110,380
    Hawaii$100,200
    New York$91,790
    Connecticut$90,420
    Washington$89,170
    District of Columbia$89,160
    Alaska$87,010
    Maryland$82,960
    California$78,490
    Michigan$78,370
    Delaware$78,280
    Massachusetts$76,850
    Nevada$76,630
    New Jersey$74,620
    Colorado$73,900
    Minnesota$73,560
    Arizona$72,820
    New Hampshire$72,360
    Ohio$72,070
    Indiana$69,580
    Utah$69,450
    Pennsylvania$69,290
    Florida$69,250
    Georgia$67,930
    Montana$67,130
    Kentucky$66,630
    South Dakota$66,000
    Oklahoma$65,900
    Iowa$65,380
    Oregon$65,340
    Virginia$64,970
    Texas$64,050
    Nebraska$63,680
    Missouri$63,560
    North Dakota$62,760
    Rhode Island$62,650
    Kansas$62,460
    Idaho$62,430
    Wisconsin$62,010
    Maine$61,300
    South Carolina$59,450
    North Carolina$58,280
    Arkansas$56,180
    Vermont$54,490
    Tennessee$54,250
    Mississippi$51,960
    New Mexico$49,140
    Alabama$47,460
    Louisiana$46,170
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
    Highest paying
    $124,120
    top metro salary
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
    $119,310
    $-4,810 vs highest
    Vallejo, CA
    $119,310
    $-4,810 vs highest
    Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
    $112,230
    $-11,890 vs highest
    Illinois
    $112,230
    $-11,890 vs highest
    Wyoming
    $110,380
    $-13,740 vs highest
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
    $103,880
    $-20,240 vs highest
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
    $103,540
    $-20,580 vs highest
    Section 04

    Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operator Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$47,310 – $60,110
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$75,190
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$96,420
    Senior (15+ yrs)$121,200+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as a Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operator

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earn $124,120 — $48,930 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($96,420) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operator Salary vs Similar Careers

    CareerMedian salary
    Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operatorthis career$75,190
    Mechanical Engineer$102,320
    Boilermaker$73,340
    Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitter$62,970
    Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$100,940

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    PathScorer compares your skills to Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operator requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.

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    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    SOC: 51-8021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.