Transportation · SOC 53-7072
Pump operations are monitored remotely more each year, but physical maintenance and emergency response resist full automation.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: SCADA automation is reducing headcount at pump stations now; remaining operators will increasingly focus on maintenance and incident response rather than routine control within 5–8 years.
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$37,130 median pay
$57,440 median pay
$34,850 median pay
$48,350 median pay
Transportation
$56,750 median pay
AI job-risk card
Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers is 30/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
30 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Planning product movement through pipeline networks, Communicating flow start/stop instructions to remote workers, Reading and recording tank gauges and flow meter data. Harder to automate: Physical repair and maintenance of pumps and vessels, Tending ancillary systems like heat exchangers and refrigeration units, On-site emergency response and troubleshooting.
Lean into SCADA and DCS control systems, Industrial pump and piping systems, Process safety management, Predictive maintenance techniques. Consider roles such as Process control technician or Instrumentation technician or Pipeline operations supervisor.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.