Will “Power Plant Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

89% Chance of Automation

“Power Plant Operator” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #529 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

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.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-8021.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 61,410.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 29.00
Currently, there are 33,720 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Power Plant Operator”

Provide assistance to plumbers in repairing or replacing water, sewer, or waste lines, and in daily maintenance activities.
Clean and lubricate boilers and auxiliary equipment and make minor adjustments as needed, using hand tools.
Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment such as pumps, compressors, and air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
Check the air quality of ventilation systems and make adjustments to ensure compliance with mandated safety codes.
Adjust controls and/or valves on equipment to provide power, and to regulate and set operations of system or industrial processes.
Develop operation, safety, and maintenance procedures or assist in their development.
Operate mechanical hoppers and provide assistance in their adjustment and repair.
Perform or arrange for repairs, such as complete overhauls, replacement of defective valves, gaskets, or bearings, or fabrication of new parts.
Receive instructions from steam engineers regarding steam plant and air compressor operations.
Test electrical systems to determine voltages, using voltage meters.
Monitor and inspect equipment, computer terminals, switches, valves, gauges, alarms, safety devices, and meters to detect leaks or malfunctions and to ensure that equipment is operating efficiently and safely.
Weigh, measure, and record fuel used.
Test boiler water quality or arrange for testing and take necessary corrective action, such as adding chemicals to prevent corrosion and harmful deposits.
Fire coal furnaces by hand or with stokers and gas- or oil-fed boilers, using automatic gas feeds or oil pumps.
Ignite fuel in burners, using torches or flames.
Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.
Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
Switch from automatic to manual controls and isolate equipment mechanically and electrically to allow for safe inspection and repair work.
Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
Activate valves to maintain required amounts of water in boilers, to adjust supplies of combustion air, and to control the flow of fuel into burners.
Install burners and auxiliary equipment, using hand tools.
Investigate and report on accidents.
Contact equipment manufacturers or appropriate specialists when necessary to resolve equipment problems.
Supervise the work of assistant stationary engineers, turbine operators, boiler tenders, or air conditioning and refrigeration operators and mechanics.

Related Technology & Tools

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Straight screwdrivers
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Metal cutting dies
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Opacity meters
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Dial indicators
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Thermocouples
Grapple cranes
Electronic remote reading thermometers
Self-contained breathing apparatus
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Protective ear plugs
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Precision levels
Hydrometers
Adjustable wrenches
Industrial platform scales
Drill presses
Pressure transmitters
Water column gauges
Power drills
Oil guns
Socket wrench sets
Hydraulic press frames
Grease guns
Manifold test gauges
Graduated glass cylinders
Sling psychrometers
Amp meters
Filter masks
Bench lathes
Electronic temperature sensors
Digital multimeters
Pipe cutters
Pressure gauges
Turbidimeters
Hydraulic boom trucks
Voltmeters
Pneumatic pumps
Infrared guns
Phillips head screwdrivers
Power meters
Shielded arc welding tools
Scaffolding
Layout squares
Programmable logic controllers PLC
Metal cutting taps
Oxyacetylene welding equipment
Ratchets
Sandblasters
Ohmmeters
Micrometers
Colorimeters

Building management system software
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Excel
Statistical software
Data entry software
Microsoft Word
Web browser software
Database software
Word processing software
Email software
Spreadsheet software
Graphics software
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS