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 Unknown

How do I become a plant operator?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
RII30820

Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
On Campus
7 - 12 months
$250 - $9,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Technician Plant Operator
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Technician Plant Operator
52857WA

Advanced Diploma of Plant Engineering
Online
18 months
$12,112
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Operator Plant Engineer Plant Technician
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Operator Plant Engineer Plant Technician
MEM31419

Certificate III in Engineering - Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
12 - 48 months
$0 - $2,950
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Engineering Tradesperson Plant Technician Plant Operator
Mechanical Fitter
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Engineering Tradesperson Plant Technician Plant Operator Mechanical Fitter + 1 more
PMA60116

Advanced Diploma of Process Plant Technology
On Campus, Traineeship
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Supervisor Plant Manager Plant Technician
Plant Operator
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Supervisor Plant Manager Plant Technician Plant Operator + 1 more
PMA20116

Certificate II in Process Plant Operations
On Campus, Online
3 - 6 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Technician Plant Operator
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Technician Plant Operator
PMA30120

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

Certificate IV in Process Plant Technology
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
3 - 18 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Operator Plant Technician
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Operator Plant Technician
PMA50116

Diploma of Process Plant Technology
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
3 - 6 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Supervisor Plant Manager Plant Technician
Plant Operator
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Plant Supervisor Plant Manager Plant Technician Plant Operator + 1 more
AUR31220

Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
3 - 4 years
$0 - $27,343
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Mobile Plant Mechanic Plant Technician Plant Operator
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Mobile Plant Mechanic Plant Technician Plant Operator
RII30420

Certificate III in Resource Processing
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 24 months
$0 - $6,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Production Operator Plant Operator Process Technician
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Production Operator Plant Operator Process Technician
*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

Further reading

What can you do with a Certificate IV in Youth Work?

4th August 2021

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