SOC 51-8021
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ60/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ30,780
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$75K
$47K โ $121K
Projected Growth
๐+2.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค49/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators face a risk score of 60/100 โ 16 points above the national average of 44. With only 49/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $75K ($29K 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 60/100, Stationary Engineers and Boiler 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 30,780 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Stationary Engineers and Boiler 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
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
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
Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.
Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
๐ป Technology Skills
Facilities management software
Data base user interface and query software
Electronic mail software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Web platform development software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Chemistry
Public Safety and Security
Physics
Engineering and Technology
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 | 65% |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 28 | $93K | 69% |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | 29 | $97K | 67% |