JOB REPORT / 51-8013 · 69 TASKS

Power Plant Operators.

Can AI do the work of Power Plant Operators?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS

How does this fit your work?

How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

Prepare and submit compliance, operational, and safety forms…
Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence…
Maintain logs, reports, work requests, or other records…

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Power Plant Operators work. It covers the 45 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

45 of 69 tasks reviewed

This job has 69 core tasks. We went through 45 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Power Plant Operators actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

TASK 01
Prepare and submit compliance, operational, and safety forms or reports.
AI DOES
Drafts report templates, fills in data fields, checks for missing entries, and flags compliance gaps
YOU DO
Verify real plant readings, apply operational judgment, and take legal responsibility for every submission
TASK 02
Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.
AI DOES
Watches sensor streams, spots patterns, and sends alerts when readings look off
YOU DO
Use experience and judgment to diagnose root causes and decide safe responses
TASK 03
Maintain logs, reports, work requests, or other records of work performed in hydroelectric plants.
AI DOES
Drafts log entries, formats reports, and flags missing fields
YOU DO
Confirm every detail matches real physical observations
TASK 04
Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.
AI DOES
Monitors real-time electrical data and flags when phase, frequency, or voltage drifts out of range
YOU DO
Step in when something unusual happens and decide the safest fix fast
TASK 05
Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.
AI DOES
Pulls sensor readings automatically, flags anomalies, and fills digital logs
YOU DO
Walk the floor, read analog instruments, and judge what unusual readings really mean
TASK 06
Monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specifications, as necessary.
AI DOES
Watches live sensor streams, spots anomalies, and alerts technicians when readings drift from specs
YOU DO
Walk the plant floor, verify conditions in person, and make safe hands-on adjustments
TASK 07
Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.
AI DOES
Monitors instrument feeds, spots trends, and flags out-of-range readings in real time
YOU DO
Verify alerts, apply plant knowledge, and make the final call on any adjustment
TASK 08
Take readings and record data, such as water levels, temperatures, or flow rates.
AI DOES
Collects sensor data automatically, flags anomalies, and logs readings into digital systems
YOU DO
Physically inspect equipment and verify readings match real-world conditions
TASK 09
Read and interpret instruction manuals or technical drawings related to biomass-fueled power or biofuels production equipment or processes.
AI DOES
Summarizes manuals, explains technical terms, and answers questions about diagrams
YOU DO
Apply hands-on judgment to real equipment in a live plant environment
TASK 10
Manage parts and supply inventories for biomass plants.
AI DOES
Tracks stock levels, predicts reorder points, and flags shortages using inventory data
YOU DO
Judge what parts actually matter given plant conditions and supplier realities
TASK 11
Verify that well field monitoring data conforms to applicable regulations.
AI DOES
Scans data tables, checks values against regulation limits, and highlights anything out of range
YOU DO
Apply site knowledge and sign off on official compliance findings
TASK 12
Communicate status of hydroelectric operating equipment to dispatchers or supervisors.
AI DOES
Pulls equipment data into plain-language status summaries and flags anomalies
YOU DO
Verify readings against real conditions and take responsibility for what you report
TASK 13
Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor streams, spots anomalies, and surfaces alerts in real time
YOU DO
Verify readings in person and make the final call on any regulatory action
TASK 14
Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor readings, spots unusual patterns, and alerts operators to equipment changes in real time
YOU DO
Stay on-site to make fast safety calls and physically adjust or shut down equipment
TASK 15
Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data streams, flags unusual readings, and helps predict equipment problems before they happen
YOU DO
Stay on-site to make real-time safety decisions and physically control or adjust critical plant equipment
TASK 16
Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.
AI DOES
Logs incoming calls, pulls contact lists, and drafts crew request messages
YOU DO
Judge the real danger level and decide exactly who to mobilize right now
TASK 17
Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.
AI DOES
Scans log entries, flags anomalies, and summarizes equipment status trends
YOU DO
Trust your hands-on plant knowledge to decide what action is actually safe
TASK 18
Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.
AI DOES
Monitors load data, flags anomalies, and recommends control adjustments
YOU DO
Keep hands on controls and apply judgment in fast-changing, safety-critical situations
TASK 19
Operate, control, or monitor gasifiers or related equipment, such as coolers, water quenches, water gas shifts reactors, or sulfur recovery units, to produce syngas or electricity from coal.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data, flags anomalies, and suggests process adjustments in real time
YOU DO
Stay on-site to respond, turn valves, judge safety risks, and make final control decisions
TASK 20SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.
AI DOES
Auto-fills forms and compiles data from multiple sources
YOU DO
Verify accuracy and flag unusual patterns
About this analysis
56% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 21
Trace electrical circuitry to ensure compliance of electrical systems with applicable codes or laws.
AI DOES
Looks up electrical codes, flags compliance rules, and helps read wiring diagrams or schematics on screen
YOU DO
Walk the plant floor, physically trace live circuits, and make safety calls in real time
TASK 22
Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data, flags anomalies, and suggests adjustments
YOU DO
Stay present and make safety calls in real time
TASK 23
Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
AI DOES
Reads sensor logs and alerts you to patterns that suggest equipment faults
YOU DO
Go on-site, inspect the physical equipment, and make the repair call yourself
TASK 24
Diagnose or troubleshoot problems with gas collection systems.
AI DOES
Pulls up sensor data, flags abnormal readings, and suggests possible causes based on fault patterns
YOU DO
Walk the system, use your senses, and make safe judgment calls on-site
TASK 25
Monitor well fields periodically to ensure proper functioning and performance.
AI DOES
Analyzes sensor readings and flags unusual trends in data dashboards
YOU DO
Walk the site, use your senses, and catch problems no sensor can detect
TASK 26
Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data, flags anomalies, and suggests maintenance schedules
YOU DO
Stay on-site to physically inspect, adjust, and respond to equipment in real time
TASK 27
Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.
AI DOES
Logs communication patterns, flags anomalies in load data, and drafts routine status reports
YOU DO
Keep direct operator-to-operator decision-making and safety authority fully human
TASK 28
Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data streams and flags temperature or output anomalies on a dashboard
YOU DO
Be physically present to operate controls, verify system status with your own eyes, and make safety calls in real time
TASK 29
Assess quality of biomass feedstock.
AI DOES
Helps interpret sensor data and lab test results to flag quality issues faster
YOU DO
Physically inspect, handle, and judge feedstock conditions on the ground
TASK 30
Operate landfill gas, methane, or natural gas fueled electrical generation systems.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data, flags anomalies, and suggests adjustments
YOU DO
Stay on-site to make physical adjustments and respond to safety events
TASK 31
Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data and flags anomalies in equipment readings
YOU DO
Stay present on the floor and make safe, real-time control decisions
TASK 32
Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data and flags abnormal readings in control systems
YOU DO
Stay physically present to adjust controls, respond to alarms, and make safe split-second calls
TASK 33
Operate hydroelectric plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, or battery banks.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data and alerts you to equipment issues in real time
YOU DO
Stay present at the plant to make safe, hands-on decisions
TASK 34
Calculate, measure, load, or mix biomass feedstock for power generation.
AI DOES
Runs calculations, optimizes feedstock blends, and flags measurement errors
YOU DO
Show up, handle the materials safely, and adjust on the spot when conditions change
TASK 35
Measure and monitor raw biomass feedstock, including wood, waste, or refuse materials.
AI DOES
Analyzes sensor data and flags readings that look unusual
YOU DO
Physically inspect, sample, and measure materials on the floor
TASK 36
Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.
AI DOES
Logs and analyzes test results, flags anomalies in data, and suggests next steps
YOU DO
Stay present on-site to safely run tests and act on what you find
TASK 37SOURCE-BACKED TASK
Analyze the layout, instrumentation, or function of electrical generation or transmission facilities.
AI DOES
Maps circuits and flags potential issues
YOU DO
Judge safety risks and approve changes
About this analysis
33% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium
TASK 38
Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data and flags readings that are outside normal ranges
YOU DO
Stay on-site to physically adjust equipment, respond to alarms, and make safety calls in real time
TASK 39
Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.
AI DOES
Monitors system data and flags when equipment should be started or stopped
YOU DO
Stay present at the controls and make the final call on every action
TASK 40
Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.
AI DOES
Guides operators through correct sequences on digital displays or checklists
YOU DO
Use your hands, eyes, and training to safely execute each physical step
TASK 41
Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data and flags when adjustments may be needed
YOU DO
Stay present and make safe, real-time physical control decisions
TASK 42
Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data and flags when readings go out of range
YOU DO
Turn valves, adjust pumps, and make real-time safety calls on the floor
TASK 43
Implement load or switching orders in hydroelectric plants, in accordance with specifications or instructions.
AI DOES
Displays order steps, flags sequence errors, and logs actions in real time
YOU DO
Physically operate controls and verify safe conditions on the floor
TASK 44
Calibrate liquid flow devices or meters, including fuel, chemical, and water meters.
AI DOES
Looks up calibration specs, logs readings, and flags drift patterns in data
YOU DO
Physically adjust valves, compare live readings, and verify safe operation on the floor
TASK 45
Preprocess feedstock to prepare for biochemical or thermochemical production processes.
AI DOES
Monitors sensor data and flags equipment issues or process deviations
YOU DO
Operate machinery, handle materials, and make physical adjustments safely on-site

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AT A GLANCE

Occupation: Power Plant Operators
SOC code: 51-8013
Tasks reviewed: 45 of 69

How we assess

PAY & OUTLOOK

Compare pay by state

Median pay (national): $102,040 · BLS OEWS 2025
Median pay (Colorado): $102,780 · BLS OEWS 2025
Employed (national): 29,320
Employed in Colorado: 250
Job outlook: −11.2% by 2034 · ~2,500 openings/yr

Wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. National figures cover the United States. Job outlook is national.

How does this fit your work?

Earn a certificate in your job

Your job, task by task.

Prepare and submit compliance, operational, and safety forms or reports.

Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems.

Maintain logs, reports, work requests, or other records of work performed in hydroelectric plants.

Control generator output to match the phase, frequency, or voltage of electricity supplied to panels.

Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.

Monitor hydroelectric power plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to performance specifications, as necessary.

Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers.

Take readings and record data, such as water levels, temperatures, or flow rates.

Read and interpret instruction manuals or technical drawings related to biomass-fueled power or biofuels production equipment or processes.

Manage parts and supply inventories for biomass plants.

Verify that well field monitoring data conforms to applicable regulations.

Communicate status of hydroelectric operating equipment to dispatchers or supervisors.

Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals.

Operate, control, or monitor equipment, such as acid or gas carbon dioxide removal units, carbon dioxide compressors, or pipelines, to capture, store, or transport carbon dioxide exhaust.

Operate, control, or monitor integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) or related equipment, such as air separation units, to generate electricity from coal.

Receive outage calls and request necessary personnel during power outages or emergencies.

Inspect records or log book entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status.

Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations.

Operate, control, or monitor gasifiers or related equipment, such as coolers, water quenches, water gas shifts reactors, or sulfur recovery units, to produce syngas or electricity from coal.

Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports.

Trace electrical circuitry to ensure compliance of electrical systems with applicable codes or laws.

Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment.

Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment, such as generators, transformers, or turbines.

Diagnose or troubleshoot problems with gas collection systems.

Monitor well fields periodically to ensure proper functioning and performance.

Operate or maintain distributed power generation equipment, including fuel cells or microturbines, to produce energy on-site for manufacturing or other commercial purposes.

Communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate line voltages and transmission loads and frequencies.

Place standby emergency electrical generators on line in emergencies and monitor the temperature, output, and lubrication of the system.

Assess quality of biomass feedstock.

Operate landfill gas, methane, or natural gas fueled electrical generation systems.

Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.

Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.

Operate hydroelectric plant equipment, such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, fans, electric control boards, or battery banks.

Calculate, measure, load, or mix biomass feedstock for power generation.

Measure and monitor raw biomass feedstock, including wood, waste, or refuse materials.

Examine and test electrical power distribution machinery and equipment, using testing devices.

Analyze the layout, instrumentation, or function of electrical generation or transmission facilities.

Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.

Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other power plant equipment as necessary.

Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units.

Start, adjust, or stop generating units, operating valves, gates, or auxiliary equipment in hydroelectric power generating plants.

Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power.

Implement load or switching orders in hydroelectric plants, in accordance with specifications or instructions.

Calibrate liquid flow devices or meters, including fuel, chemical, and water meters.

Preprocess feedstock to prepare for biochemical or thermochemical production processes.

Practice AI.Use your judgment.

Practice AI.
Use your judgment.