Power Plant Workers

Employers

Employees in the power plant field work in several types of power-generating plants, including those that use natural gas, oil, coal, nuclear, hydro, solar, and wind energies. Because electric utility companies have dominated the energy field, most power plant workers work in electrical utilities. Government agencies that produce power are also employers, as are private companies that make electricity for their own use. Employment opportunities are available in any part of the country, as power plants are scattered nationwide. Approximately 53,000 power plant workers, including nuclear power reactor operators, are employed in the United States.

Starting Out

People interested in working in electric power plants can contact local electric utility companies directly, and in most cases, submit their resume online. Local offices of utility worker unions may also be sources of information about job opportunities. Leads for specific jobs may be found through employment Web sites. Graduates of technical training programs can often get help locating jobs from their schools' career services offices.