Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
SOC Code: 51-8031
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators carries a 27% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $58,260 and -6.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 132,400 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
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators (SOC 51-8031) carries an AI exposure score of 27%, 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 132,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -6.5% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $58,260, 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 Water and wastewater treatment plant and system 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. Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
- 2. Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
- 3. Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
- 4. Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
- 5. Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
- 6. Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
- 7. Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
- 8. Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Chemistry
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Law and Government
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators has an AI exposure score of 27%, 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 Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is projected to decline by 6.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 132,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
Key skills for Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators include Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators earn?
The median annual wage for Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is $58,260, 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 Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
The typical entry-level education for Water and wastewater treatment plant and system 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 Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators?
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system 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 8 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).