SOC 51-8013
Power Plant Operators
Risk Score
⚠️69/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥30,720
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$100K
$60K – $129K
Projected Growth
📈-11.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖53/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Power Plant Operators face a risk score of 69/100 — 25 points above the national average of 44. With 53/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $100K ($53K 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 69/100, Power Plant Operators 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 30,720 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Power Plant Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
📊 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 | 63% |
| Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | 29 | $128K | 65% |
| Chemical Engineers | 30 | $122K | 63% |