Gas plant operators
SOC Code: 51-8092
Gas plant operators carries a 36% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $83,400 and -8.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 16,200 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
Gas plant operators (SOC 51-8092) carries an AI exposure score of 36%, placing it in the Medium 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 below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 16,200 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -8.8% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $83,400, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, 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 Gas plant operators. 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. Monitor equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.
- 2. Distribute or process gas for utility companies or industrial plants, using panel boards, control boards, and semi-automatic equipment.
- 3. Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.
- 4. Control equipment to regulate flow and pressure of gas to feedlines of boilers, furnaces, and related steam-generating or heating equipment.
- 5. Record, review, and compile operations records, test results, and gauge readings such as temperatures, pressures, concentrations, and flows.
- 6. Determine causes of abnormal pressure variances, and make corrective recommendations, such as installation of pipes to relieve overloading.
- 7. Adjust temperature, pressure, vacuum, level, flow rate, or transfer of gas to maintain processes at required levels or to correct problems.
- 8. Collaborate with other operators to solve unit problems.
- 9. Monitor transportation and storage of flammable and other potentially dangerous products to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
- 10. Start and shut down plant equipment.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administrative
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Gas plant operators?
Gas plant operators has an AI exposure score of 36%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Gas plant operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Gas plant operators is projected to decline by 8.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 16,200 workers.
What skills are needed for Gas plant operators?
Key skills for Gas plant operators include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Gas plant operators earn?
The median annual wage for Gas plant operators is $83,400, 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 Gas plant operators?
The typical entry-level education for Gas plant operators is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Gas plant operators?
Gas plant operators 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
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
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).