Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace chemical plant and system operators?AI replacement risk 58% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$78,120
25th–75th pct. $60,330–$98,660
Top pay (est.)
$145,500
Top 10% $111,930
Pay in 5 years
$87,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$98,100est.
$84,300–$113,900
Outlook score
37/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
58%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−5.2%
1,300 openings / yr

Will AI replace Chemical Plant and System Operators? AI replacement risk

58%
Moderate
Ranked #621 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Chemical Plant and System Operators

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
4.4
Operation and Control
4.0
Monitoring
3.8
Quality Control Analysis
3.6
Active Listening
3.5
Critical Thinking
3.5
Reading Comprehension
3.4
Complex Problem Solving
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Chemistry
4.8
Mechanical
4.0
Mathematics
3.8
Production and Processing
3.4
Computers and Electronics
3.4
Education and Training
3.1
Engineering and Technology
3.1
English Language
3.0

What the work involves

Working with ComputersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersProcessing Information

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityNear VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning

Training before entry

3–6 months
8%
Up to 1 month
4%
1–2 years
1%
4–10 years
1%

Related work experience

6–8 years
1%
1–3 months
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.