Stationary Engineers and Boiler 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 grow over the next decade, with about 765 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 16% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Maintain daily logs of operation, maintenance, and safety activities, including test results, instrument readings, and details of equipment malfunctions and maintenance work.
AI could do much of this on its own
Develop operation, safety, and maintenance procedures or assist in their development.
AI could do much of this on its own
Investigate and report on accidents.
AI could do much of this on its own
Contact equipment manufacturers or appropriate specialists when necessary to resolve equipment problems.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Operate or tend stationary engines, boilers, and auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, compressors, or air-conditioning equipment, to supply and maintain steam or heat for buildings, marine vessels, or pneumatic tools.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
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.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Monitor boiler water, chemical, and fuel levels, and make adjustments to maintain required levels.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Analyze problems and take appropriate action to ensure continuous and reliable operation of equipment and systems.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Observe and interpret readings on gauges, meters, and charts registering various aspects of boiler operation to ensure that boilers are operating properly.
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.
Gas Plant Operators
Very similar work+5% pay344 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 5% more—$100,640 vs your $96,212 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
- Public Safety and Security
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service
- Geography
- Administrative
Power Plant Operators
Very similar work+14% pay6,702 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 14% more—$109,433 vs your $96,212 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
- Near Vision
- Public Safety and Security
- Oral Comprehension
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Ship Engineers
Similar work+42% pay72 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 42% more—$136,570 vs your $96,212 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
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
New skills to build
- Transportation
- Deductive Reasoning
- Geography
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Similar work+8% pay12,479 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 8% more—$104,013 vs your $96,212 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
- Near Vision
- Engineering and Technology
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service