SOC 51-8091
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ66/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ17,840
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$74K
$48K โ $108K
Projected Growth
๐-6.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค53/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Chemical Plant and System Operators face a risk score of 66/100 โ 22 points above the national average of 44. With 53/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $74K ($27K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 66/100, Chemical Plant and System Operators faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like smart factory scheduling and production optimization are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 17,840 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and setup and calibration of custom production runs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Chemical Plant and System Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Monitor recording instruments, flowmeters, panel lights, or other indicators and listen for warning signals to verify conformity of process conditions.
Regulate or shut down equipment during emergency situations, as directed by supervisory personnel.
Control or operate chemical processes or systems of machines, using panelboards, control boards, or semi-automatic equipment.
Move control settings to make necessary adjustments on equipment units affecting speeds of chemical reactions, quality, or yields.
Inspect operating units, such as towers, soap-spray storage tanks, scrubbers, collectors, or driers to ensure that all are functioning and to maintain maximum efficiency.
๐ป Technology Skills
Industrial control software
Network security or virtual private network VPN management software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Word processing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Chemistry
Mechanical
English Language
Public Safety and Security
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 57% |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 28 | $93K | 61% |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | 29 | $97K | 59% |