Power Plant Operators
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 6,702 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 25% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Ship Engineers
Similar work+25% pay72 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 25% more—$136,570 vs your $109,433 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, with less than 5 years of experience.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Operations Monitoring
- Problem Sensitivity
- Operation and Control
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Transportation
Gas Plant Operators
Similar workslightly less pay344 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$100,640 vs your $109,433 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Public Safety and Security
- Problem Sensitivity
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Similar workslightly less pay12,479 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$104,013 vs your $109,433 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Oral Comprehension
- Engineering and Technology
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service
Nuclear Technicians
Somewhat similar work+22% pay751 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 22% more—$133,415 vs your $109,433 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires an associate's degree, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Operations Monitoring
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Public Safety and Security
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Written Comprehension