SOC 51-8031
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ62/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ126,750
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$58K
$38K โ $86K
Projected Growth
๐-6.5%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค59/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators face a risk score of 62/100 โ 18 points above the national average of 44. With 59/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $58K ($12K 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 62/100, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System 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 126,750 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System 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
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
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
Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
๐ป Technology Skills
Compliance software
Data base user interface and query software
Geographic information system
Industrial control software
Spreadsheet software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Chemistry
Biology
Mechanical
Mathematics
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 | 69% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 59% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 73% |