Will “Boiler Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

89% Chance of Automation

“Boiler 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 “Boiler Operator”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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Tapping machines
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Protective ear plugs
Two way radios
Dial indicators
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Pipe cutters
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Layout squares
Programmable logic controllers PLC
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Safety glasses
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Dropping pipettes
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Combustion analyzers
Metal cutting taps
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Personal computers
Socket wrench sets
Power saws
Ladders
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Safety gloves
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Straight screwdrivers
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Scaffolding
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Microsoft Word
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Word processing software
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Microsoft Excel
Graphics software
Database software
Microsoft Office
Building management system software
Email software
Data entry software
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Web browser software