SOC 51-8099
Plant and System Operators, All Other
Risk Score
⚠️62/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥15,950
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$62K
$40K – $93K
Projected Growth
📈+1.6%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖56/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Plant and System Operators, All Other face a risk score of 62/100 — 18 points above the national average of 44. With 56/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite strong projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $62K ($15K 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 62/100, Plant and System Operators, All Other faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 15,950 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and setup and calibration of custom production runs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Plant and System Operators, All Other?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
📊 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 | 69% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 59% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 73% |