Conveyor operators and tenders
SOC Code: 53-7011
Conveyor operators and tenders carries a 47% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $41,230 and -3.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 29,100 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Conveyor operators and tenders (SOC 53-7011) carries an AI exposure score of 47%, placing it in the High automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 29,100 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -3.4% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $41,230, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Conveyor operators and tenders. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Observe packages moving along conveyors to identify packages, detect defective packaging, and perform quality control.
- 2. Collect samples of materials or products, checking them to ensure conformance to specifications or sending them to laboratories for analysis.
- 3. Inform supervisors of equipment malfunctions that need to be addressed.
- 4. Position deflector bars, gates, chutes, or spouts to divert flow of materials from one conveyor onto another conveyor.
- 5. Observe conveyor operations and monitor lights, dials, and gauges to maintain specified operating levels and to detect equipment malfunctions.
- 6. Record production data such as weights, types, quantities, and storage locations of materials, as well as equipment performance problems and downtime.
- 7. Repair or replace equipment components or parts such as blades, rolls, and pumps.
- 8. Load, unload, or adjust materials or products on conveyors by hand, by using lifts, hoists, and scoops, or by opening gates, chutes, or hoppers.
- 9. Stop equipment or machinery and clear jams, using poles, bars, and hand tools, or remove damaged materials from conveyors.
- 10. Manipulate controls, levers, and valves to start pumps, auxiliary equipment, or conveyors, and to adjust equipment positions, speeds, timing, and material flows.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Reading Comprehension
- Troubleshooting
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Production and Processing
- Transportation
- Education and Training
- Law and Government
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Conveyor operators and tenders?
Conveyor operators and tenders has an AI exposure score of 47%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Conveyor operators and tenders?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Conveyor operators and tenders is projected to decline by 3.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 29,100 workers.
What skills are needed for Conveyor operators and tenders?
Key skills for Conveyor operators and tenders include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Conveyor operators and tenders earn?
The median annual wage for Conveyor operators and tenders is $41,230, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Conveyor operators and tenders?
The typical entry-level education for Conveyor operators and tenders is No formal educational credential. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Conveyor operators and tenders?
Conveyor operators and tenders roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
Related Occupations
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).