Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System 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 hold steady over the next decade, with about 2,871 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 about a quarter 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 13% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Record operational data, personnel attendance, or meter and gauge readings on specified forms.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Collect and test water and sewage samples, using test equipment and color analysis standards.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Operate and adjust controls on equipment to purify and clarify water, process or dispose of sewage, and generate power.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Add chemicals, such as ammonia, chlorine, or lime, to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Inspect equipment or monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges to determine load requirements and detect malfunctions.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Direct and coordinate plant workers engaged in routine operations and maintenance activities.
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.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Very similar work+47% pay765 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 47% more—$96,212 vs your $65,449 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Operations Monitoring
- Chemistry
- Public Safety and Security
- Near Vision
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Gas Plant Operators
Similar work+54% pay344 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 54% more—$100,640 vs your $65,449 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
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- English Language
New skills to build
- Perceptual Speed
- Auditory Attention
Plant and System Operators, All Other
Similar work+17% pay38 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 17% more—$76,408 vs your $65,449 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Operations Monitoring
- Chemistry
- Operation and Control
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Explosive Strength
- Production and Processing
Power Plant Operators
Similar work+67% pay6,702 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 67% more—$109,433 vs your $65,449 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
- Education and Training
- Oral Comprehension
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Hazardous Materials Removal Workers
Somewhat similar work+15% pay401 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 15% more—$75,073 vs your $65,449 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
- Public Safety and Security
- Oral Comprehension
- Customer and Personal Service
- Oral Expression
- Administration and Management
New skills to build
- Transportation
- Static Strength