Biomass Plant Technicians

O*NET 51-8013.03 · SOC 51-8013

Biomass Plant Technician is a risky career choice. Median pay is $102k a year with -5.1% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 2,300 openings a year. AI exposure: High.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+-5.1%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$102k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
2k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

What You'd Actually Do

  • Feed wood chips or agricultural waste into combustion boilers
  • Monitor boiler temperature and steam pressure during operation
  • Test biomass fuel moisture content before loading equipment
  • Remove ash and residue from combustion chambers regularly
  • Inspect conveyors that move biomass fuel to the boiler

Education & How to Get In

🎓
Job Zone 2
Some preparation needed (high school or short training)

Biomass Plant Technician roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Biomass Plant Technician? These platforms offer courses you can start today — many with free trials or financial aid.

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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Biomass Plant Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningFeed wood chips or agricultural waste into combustion boilers
MiddayMonitor boiler temperature and steam pressure during operation
AfternoonTest biomass fuel moisture content before loading equipment

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)7.0
Conventional (Organizers)4.8
Investigative (Thinkers)3.1
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.8
Social (Helpers)1.2
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Biomass Plant Technician?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISTJThe InspectorESTJThe ExecutiveESTPThe Dynamo

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Biomass Plant Technician Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Biomass Plant Technicians is projected to decline 5.1% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

67/100High disruption risk
  • ·44% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
  • ·42% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress
  • ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Biomass Plant Technician make?

The median Biomass Plant Technician earns $102k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Biomass Plant Technician jobs?

Our model puts Biomass Plant Technician at 67 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 44% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 42% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress.

Is Biomass Plant Technician a growing field?

Employment is projected to shrink 5.1% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 2,300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Biomass Plant Technician?

Most Biomass Plant Technician roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.

How long does it take to become a Biomass Plant Technician?

Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Biomass Plant Technician career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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