Salary Range
Low (10th %)$54,080
Median$97,010
High (90th %)$123,120
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Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.
The occupation "Power Plant Operators" has an automation risk of 52.6%, only slightly lower than the base occupational risk of 53.3%. This suggests a moderate likelihood of automation affecting this role, due to the nature of its core responsibilities, which often involve repetitive, rules-based tasks amenable to algorithmic control and robotics. Modern power plants are integrating more advanced monitoring and control systems, making it possible for machines to perform several operator functions with minimal human intervention. The advancement of AI-driven monitoring and analytics tools is driving this risk further, allowing for real-time feedback and adjustment in operations without requiring constant manual oversight. A significant portion of the abstracted risk comes from the top three most automatable tasks, which include controlling generator output to match specific parameters, taking regulatory action based on standardized readings, and operating power-generating equipment through sophisticated control boards or semi-automatic equipment. These tasks follow clearly defined protocols and can be programmed into software and automated systems, reducing the need for direct human input. The standardization and predictability of electricity generation and monitoring processes make them especially suitable for automation, where AI and advanced sensors can quickly and accurately respond to operational variables. However, the automation risk is moderated by tasks more resistant to automation, such as verifying compliance of well field monitoring data, tracing electrical circuitry for code compliance, and repairing or replacing gas piping. These duties typically require nuanced judgment, on-the-spot problem-solving, and manual dexterity—skills that current AI and robotics systems struggle to replicate. Furthermore, bottleneck skills such as originality (scored at only 2.5% and 2.8%) indicate a small, yet important, element of creativity and adaptability in this work. These aspects create practical and regulatory hurdles for full automation, ensuring that while automation may replace some routine operator tasks, human expertise remains indispensable for complex troubleshooting, compliance, and maintaining safe plant operations.
Filter by Automatable Status
Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
Automatable
Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
Automatable
Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
Partially Automatable
Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
Partially Automatable
Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
Partially Automatable
Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
Automatable
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.
Partially Automatable
Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
Automatable
Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
Partially Automatable
Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration.
Non-Automatable
Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.
Automatable
Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland or pipe joints.
Non-Automatable
Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
Partially Automatable
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.
Partially Automatable
Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.
Partially Automatable
Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.
Partially Automatable
Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.
Partially Automatable
Collect oil, water, or electrolyte samples for laboratory analysis.
Non-Automatable
Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.
Partially Automatable
Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.
Partially Automatable
Analyze the layout, instrumentation, or function of electrical generation or transmission facilities.
Partially Automatable
Diagnose or troubleshoot problems with gas collection systems.
Partially Automatable
Monitor well fields periodically to ensure proper functioning and performance.
Partially Automatable
Prepare and submit compliance, operational, and safety forms or reports.
Partially Automatable
Repair or replace gas piping.
Non-Automatable
Trace electrical circuitry to ensure compliance of electrical systems with applicable codes or laws.
Non-Automatable
Verify that well field monitoring data conforms to applicable regulations.
Partially Automatable
Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.
Partially Automatable
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.
Partially Automatable
Operate landfill gas, methane, or natural gas fueled electrical generation systems.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyFine ArtsDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and Theology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Operating system softwareDistributed control system DCSLandfill gas analysis softwareSAP softwareLandtec System Software LFG ProOperational Data Store ODS softwareEmerson OvationGas field monitoring system softwareGeneral Electric Mark VI Distributed Control System DCSInterlock shutdown systemsSafety instrumented system SIS softwareSiemens Power Plant Automation SPPASiemens TelepermTeknik Segala OSI Plant Information PI SystemYokogawa FAST/TOOLSWeb browser softwareDistributed control system DCSLandfill gas analysis softwareLandtec System Software LFG ProEmail softwareEmerson OvationGas field monitoring system softwareInterlock shutdown systemsGeneral Electric Mark VI Integrated Control System ICSOperational Data Store ODS softwareSafety instrumented system SIS softwareSiemens Power Plant Automation SPPASiemens TelepermYokogawa FAST/TOOLSMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareWeb browser softwareMicrosoft AccessOperating system softwareMicrosoft ExcelSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareComputerized maintenance management system CMMSComputerized maintenance management system CMMSGeneral Electric Mark VI Integrated Control System ICSGeneral Electric Mark VI Distributed Control System DCSTeknik Segala OSI Plant Information PI SystemContinuous emissions monitoring systems CEMSContinuous emissions monitoring systems CEMSEmail softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Access
Geothermal Production Managers
Medium50.68%
Manage operations at geothermal power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor geothermal plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Medium54.43%
Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and maintenance staff.
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Medium54.67%
Manage operations at hydroelectric power generation facilities. Maintain and monitor hydroelectric plant equipment for efficient and safe plant operations.
Nuclear Technicians
Medium50.70%
Assist nuclear physicists, nuclear engineers, or other scientists in laboratory, power generation, or electricity production activities. May operate, maintain, or provide quality control for nuclear testing and research equipment. May monitor radiation.
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Low30.04%
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Medium47.24%
Inspect, diagnose, adjust, or repair wind turbines. Perform maintenance on wind turbine equipment including resolving electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic malfunctions.
Geothermal Technicians
Medium39.03%
Perform technical activities at power plants or individual installations necessary for the generation of power from geothermal energy sources. Monitor and control operating activities at geothermal power generation facilities and perform maintenance and repairs as necessary. Install, test, and maintain residential and commercial geothermal heat pumps.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Medium53.14%
Operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Medium63.42%
Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
Biomass Plant Technicians
Medium53.51%
Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
Medium39.93%
Monitor and control activities associated with hydropower generation. Operate plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, and battery banks. Monitor equipment operation and performance and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance. Perform equipment maintenance and repair as necessary.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Medium43.49%
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Medium52.51%
Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or wastewater.
Chemical Plant and System Operators
Medium58.58%
Control or operate entire chemical processes or system of machines.
Gas Plant Operators
Medium63.67%
Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
Medium54.55%
Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units. May specialize in controlling manifold and pumping systems, gauging or testing oil in storage tanks, or regulating the flow of oil into pipelines.
Biofuels Processing Technicians
Medium54.54%
Calculate, measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor production process. Perform, and keep records of, plant maintenance, repairs, and safety inspections.
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Medium49.42%
Operate steam-, gas-, electric motor-, or internal combustion-engine driven compressors. Transmit, compress, or recover gases, such as butane, nitrogen, hydrogen, and natural gas.
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers
Medium61.86%
Tend, control, or operate power-driven, stationary, or portable pumps and manifold systems to transfer gases, oil, other liquids, slurries, or powdered materials to and from various vessels and processes.
Wellhead Pumpers
Medium33.60%
Operate power pumps and auxiliary equipment to produce flow of oil or gas from wells in oil field.
Biofuels Production Managers
Medium54.44%
Manage biofuels production and plant operations. Collect and process information on plant production and performance, diagnose problems, and design corrective procedures.
Wind Energy Operations Managers
Medium56.93%
Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.
Nuclear Engineers
Medium41.73%
Conduct research on nuclear engineering projects or apply principles and theory of nuclear science to problems concerned with release, control, and use of nuclear energy and nuclear waste disposal.
Petroleum Engineers
Medium51.23%
Devise methods to improve oil and gas extraction and production and determine the need for new or modified tool designs. Oversee drilling and offer technical advice.
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Medium52.65%
Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.
Wind Energy Engineers
Medium49.16%
Design underground or overhead wind farm collector systems and prepare and develop site specifications.
Nuclear Monitoring Technicians
Medium55.41%
Collect and test samples to monitor results of nuclear experiments and contamination of humans, facilities, and environment.
Meter Readers, Utilities
High70.08%
Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians
Low23.46%
Install or repair solar energy systems designed to collect, store, and circulate solar-heated water for residential, commercial or industrial use.
Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
Medium38.98%
Operate equipment to increase oil flow from producing wells or to remove stuck pipe, casing, tools, or other obstructions from drilling wells. Includes fishing-tool technicians.
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Medium53.74%
Operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.
Ship Engineers
Medium39.11%
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.