Plant Operator

A Plant Operator is responsible for maintaining equipment to ensure it works correctly. They might work at a power plant, chemical plant or oil refinery. Plant Operators are required to be familiar with the entire operations at a plant so they can ensure the equipment is doing what is required.

The role of a Plant Operator is likely to involve the monitoring of pressure, temperature and flow rate for different machines to make sure that they are functioning properly. It’s also likely that a Plant Operator will need to collect and test samples.

Future demand High
Average yearly income $80,600
Skill level Beginner

How do I become a plant operator?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended
RII30820

Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
On Campus
7 - 12 months
$0 - $9,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Dump Truck Operator Plant Mechanic Road Construction Worker
Plant Operator Excavator Operator Loader Operator Grader Operator
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Dump Truck Operator Plant Mechanic Road Construction Worker Plant Operator Excavator Operator Loader Operator Grader Operator + 4 more

Professional Certificate of Competency in Hydrogen Energy – Production, Delivery, Storage and Use
Online
3 months
$1,581
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Hydrogen Engineer Project Engineer Plant Operator
Plant Technician
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Hydrogen Engineer Project Engineer Plant Operator Plant Technician + 1 more
PMA20116

Certificate II in Process Plant Operations
Online
3 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Operator Production Operator Process Technician
Maintenance Assistant Laboratory Assistant
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Operator Production Operator Process Technician Maintenance Assistant Laboratory Assistant + 2 more
MSA30208

Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology
Blended, Online
6 - 24 months
$0 - $6,700
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Production Technician Pharmaceutical Production Worker CAD Operator
Laboratory Technician Polymer Technician Manufacturing Technician Development Engineer Civil Design Engineer Plant Operator
+ 6 more
PMA30120

Certificate III in Process Plant Operations
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
3 - 18 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Technician Process Technician Production Operator
Plant Operator
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Technician Process Technician Production Operator Plant Operator + 1 more
PMA40116

Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
3 - 18 months
$0 - $2,152
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Process Technician Plant Operator Plant Supervisor
Operations Coordinator Instrumentation Technician Safety Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Process Technician Plant Operator Plant Supervisor Operations Coordinator Instrumentation Technician Safety Officer + 3 more
RII31619

Certificate III in Trenchless Technology
Apprenticeship, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 24 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Excavator Operator Civil Construction Worker Driller
Plant Operator Environmental Compliance Officer Underground Service Locator
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Excavator Operator Civil Construction Worker Driller Plant Operator Environmental Compliance Officer Underground Service Locator + 3 more
RII20520

Certificate II in Resource Processing
On Campus, Traineeship
12 - 36 months
$0 - $350
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Operator Production Operator Loader Operator
General Hand Mill Operator
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Operator Production Operator Loader Operator General Hand Mill Operator + 2 more
TLIF0020

Safely access the rail corridor
Blended, On Campus, Online
1 - 4 days
$0 - $330
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Rail Worker Track Worker Track Maintainer
Track Machine Operator Civil Construction Worker Plant Operator
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Rail Worker Track Worker Track Maintainer Track Machine Operator Civil Construction Worker Plant Operator + 3 more
TLI27221

Certificate II in Rail Track Vehicle Driving
On Campus
6 - 12 months
$0 - $4,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Track Machine Operator Rail Infrastructure Worker Plant Operator
Vehicle Operator Machine Operator
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Track Machine Operator Rail Infrastructure Worker Plant Operator Vehicle Operator Machine Operator + 2 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Common questions

How much does a Plant Operator earn?

In Australia, a full time Plant Operator generally earns $1,550 per week ($80,600 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for Plant Operators?

Despite job opportunities for Plant Operators decreasing slightly over the past 5 years, the industry is expected to remain stable. It is predicted that the number of Plant Operator roles will remain the same over the next 5 years.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Plant Operator?

Completing the Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations provides key skills in heavy machinery operation and safety, essential for a Plant Operator role. This nationally recognised qualification showcases your industry readiness, enhancing your job prospects. It demonstrates practical competence and commitment, making you a preferred candidate for employers in the plant operation sector.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

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