SOC 51-8013
Power Plant Operators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ69/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ30,720
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$100K
$60K โ $129K
Projected Growth
๐-11.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค53/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Power Plant Operators face a risk score of 69/100 โ 25 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 $100K ($53K 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 69/100, Power Plant Operators faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 30,720 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Power Plant Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
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
Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
๐ป Technology Skills
Facilities management software
Industrial control software
Electronic mail software
Analytical or scientific software
Data base user interface and query software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Public Safety and Security
Mathematics
Engineering and Technology
Education and Training
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 | 63% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 29 | $128K | 65% |
| Chemical Engineers | 30 | $122K | 63% |