Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace stationary engineers and boiler operators?AI replacement risk 39% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$78,620
25th–75th pct. $63,160–$101,150
Top pay (est.)
$163,000
Top 10% $125,390
Pay in 5 years
$91,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$106,000est.
$91,200–$123,100
Outlook score
62/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
39%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.1%
3,200 openings / yr

Will AI replace Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators? AI replacement risk

39%
Low
Ranked #363 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 Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.9
Repairing
3.5
Operation and Control
3.2
Troubleshooting
3.2
Quality Control Analysis
3.2
Equipment Maintenance
3.2
Complex Problem Solving
3.1
Coordination
3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.9
Chemistry
4.4
Public Safety and Security
4.0
Physics
3.7
Building and Construction
3.7
Engineering and Technology
3.6
Education and Training
3.6
Mathematics
3.5

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentHandling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Perceptual SpeedNear VisionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionProblem SensitivityAuditory Attention

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate
47%
High school diploma
38%
Associate's degree
11%
Some college
5%

Training before entry

6–12 months
51%
3–6 months
20%
1–3 months
18%
1–2 years
5%
2–4 years
5%
Over 10 years
1%

Related work experience

1–2 years
24%
2–4 years
21%
4–6 years
19%
6–12 months
13%
6–8 years
9%
None
5%
8–10 years
5%
3–6 months
3%

Job Zone 3 — medium 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.