As of June 2026, Power Plant Operators has an AI-exposure score of 57/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Power Plant Operators

57/100
Elevated exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 55% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$102,040. About 2,500 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How you compare to similar Production roles

Power Plant Operators (you)
57
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
57
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders
57
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
57
Gem and Diamond Workers
57
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
57
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.
  • Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
  • Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.
  • Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
  • Operate, control, or monitor gasifiers or related equipment, such as coolers, water quenches, water gas shifts reactors, or sulfur recovery units, to produce syngas or electricity from coal.
  • Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.
  • Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
  • Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
  • Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feedwater heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power.
  • Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
  • Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
  • Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
  • Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.
  • Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.
  • Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.
Augmentable
  • Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
  • Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland or pipe joints.
  • Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.
  • Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
  • Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (75%).

Safer adjacent roles

Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
80% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$102,040
53
Biomass Plant Technicians
72% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$102,040
63
Gas Plant Operators
64% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$87,820
63
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
56% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$78,620
61
Geothermal Technicians
48% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$49,230
61
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
40% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$106,730
71
Chemical Plant and System Operators
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$78,120
60
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$77,320
62

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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.