SOC 51-8000
Plant and System Operators
Risk Score
⚠️46/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥287,720
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$71K
$43K – $112K
Projected Growth
📈-5.3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖35/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Plant and System Operators face a risk score of 46/100 — 2 points above the national average of 44. With only 35/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $71K ($24K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 46/100, Plant and System Operators faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 287,720 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Plant and System Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 57% |
| Supervisors of Production Workers | 34 | $71K | 84% |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 28 | $93K | 61% |