SOC 51-8021
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Risk Score
⚠️60/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥30,780
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$75K
$47K – $121K
Projected Growth
📈+2.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖49/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators face a risk score of 60/100 — 16 points above the national average of 44. With only 49/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $75K ($29K 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 60/100, Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like smart factory scheduling and production optimization are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 30,780 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
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 | 65% |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 28 | $93K | 69% |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | 29 | $97K | 67% |