Power plant operators
SOC Code: 51-8013
Power plant operators carries a 22% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $99,670 and -11.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 31,600 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
Power plant operators (SOC 51-8013) carries an AI exposure score of 22%, 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 31,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -11.2% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $99,670, 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 Power 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. Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
- 2. Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
- 3. Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers.
- 4. Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
- 5. Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
- 6. Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
- 7. Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
- 8. Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
- 9. Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.
- 10. Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Operation and Control
- Monitoring
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Physics
- Building and Construction
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Power plant operators?
Power plant operators has an AI exposure score of 22%, 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 Power plant operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Power plant operators is projected to decline by 11.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 31,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Power plant operators?
Key skills for Power plant operators include Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Power plant operators earn?
The median annual wage for Power plant operators is $99,670, 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 Power plant operators?
The typical entry-level education for Power 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 Power plant operators?
Power 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.
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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).