As of June 2026, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators has an AI-exposure score of 61/100 (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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

61/100
Elevated exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 72% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$60,020. About 10,700 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

Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators (you)
61
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
61
Biofuels Processing Technicians
61
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
61
Chemical Plant and System Operators
60
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
62
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
  • Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
  • Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
  • Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
  • Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
Augmentable
  • Maintain, repair, and lubricate equipment, using hand tools and power tools.
  • Clean and maintain tanks, filter beds, and other work areas, using hand tools and power tools.
  • Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as automatable (63%).

Safer adjacent roles

YOUR ROLE TODAY
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators 61
→
Chemical Plant and System Operators 80% overlap60Biomass Plant Technicians 72% overlap63Power Plant Operators 64% overlap57
Chemical Plant and System Operators
80% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$78,120
60
Biomass Plant Technicians
72% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$102,040
63
Power Plant Operators
64% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$102,040
57
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
56% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$102,040
53
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
48% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$51,610
52
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$58,040
61
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$96,710
62
Gas Plant Operators
40% skills overlap · High exposure · ~US$87,820
63

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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.

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