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Incinerator operator

Also called refuse worker, refuse operative, incinerator worker

Incinerator operators tend incineration machines which burn refuse and waste. They ensure the equipment is maintained, and that the incineration process occurs in accordance with safety regulations for the incineration of waste.

Will there be jobs?Average prospects27 jobs to fill by 2035 for every 100 people doing this work today.Science and engineering associate professionalsWhat does it pay?About averageFrom about €1,600 (Bulgaria) to €6,500 (Denmark) a month, depending on the country.Estimate · Science and engineering associate professionalsWhat do I need to study?Usually post-secondary or a short degree4 in 10 have a degree.Science and engineering associate professionalsWill AI change it?Very littleLevel 1 of 6. AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.Incinerator and water treatment plant operators · ILO

What you'd do

Incinerator and water treatment plant operators · ILO
  • Operating and monitoring computerized control systems, machinery and related equipment in wastewater treatment, sewage treatment, and liquid waste plants to regulate flow, treatment and disposal of sewage and wastes, and in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water for human consumption and for later disposal into natural water systems
  • Controlling the operation of multiple-hearth incinerator furnaces and related equipment to burn sludge and solid waste in waste treatment plants
  • Inspecting equipment and monitoring operating conditions, meters, filters, chlorinators and gauges in central control room to determine load requirements, to verify that flows, pressures and temperatures are within specification, and to detect malfunctions
  • Monitoring and adjusting controls of auxiliary equipment, such as exhaust emissions, scrubbers and incinerator heat recovery units
  • Collecting and testing water and sewage samples for chemical and bacterial content, using test equipment and colour analysis standards
  • Analysing test results to make adjustments to plant equipment and systems to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids
  • Performing security and safety checks in plant and on grounds
  • Completing and maintaining plant logs and reports
Conduct inter-shift communicationWear appropriate protective gearMeasure furnace temperatureMaintain waste incineratorMonitor incineration process+ 2 more essential skills

Will there be jobs?

Average prospects

A typical number of jobs will need filling by 2035.

People working as science and engineering associate professionals in the EU
7.4m7.3m7.49m 201520232035

Solid: measured. Dashed: forecast.

Jobs to fill, 2026–2035
142,000 new jobs 1,835,000 replacing leavers
Jobs to fill per 100 people working now
Science and engineering associate professionals27
All jobs29
Right now
4 of 27 countries report a shortage of incinerator and water treatment plant operators, 2 a surplus.
Incinerator and water treatment plant operators · EURES

What does it pay?

About average

Pay depends a lot on the country: from about €1,600 a month (Bulgaria) to €6,500 (Denmark), before tax.

Pick a country at the top of the page to see typical pay there, for people under 30, and compared with all jobs.

Among technicians and associate professionals in the EU, women earn 16% less per hour than men. Technicians and associate professionals · Eurostat

What do I need to study?

Usually post-secondary or a short degree

Post-secondary training or a short degree is the usual route.

Highest qualification of science and engineering associate professionals (EU, 2025)
Degree 41%Vocational 43%General secondary 7%Basic schooling 9%

Pick a country at the top of the page to see where to study and the official course finders.

Will AI change it?

Very little

AI could help with only small parts of the tasks.

How exposed is this job? ILO scale
Very low
Low
Some tasks
Moderate
Significant
High

Average task score 0.27 on a scale from 0 (AI can't do it) to 1 (AI could do it fully).

See the score for each of the 8 tasks
Completing and maintaining plant logs and reports0.45
Inspecting equipment and monitoring operating conditions, meters, filters, chlorinators and gauges in central control room to determine load requirements, to verify that flows, pressures and temperatures are within specification, and to detect malfunctions0.32
Monitoring and adjusting controls of auxiliary equipment, such as exhaust emissions, scrubbers and incinerator heat recovery units0.27
Operating and monitoring computerized control systems, machinery and related equipment in wastewater treatment, sewage treatment, and liquid waste plants to regulate flow, treatment and disposal of sewage and wastes, and in water filtration and treatment plants to regulate the treatment and distribution of water for human consumption and for later disposal into natural water systems0.27
Analysing test results to make adjustments to plant equipment and systems to disinfect and deodorize water and other liquids0.26
Collecting and testing water and sewage samples for chemical and bacterial content, using test equipment and colour analysis standards0.20
Performing security and safety checks in plant and on grounds0.18
Controlling the operation of multiple-hearth incinerator furnaces and related equipment to burn sludge and solid waste in waste treatment plants0.17

Based on what AI could technically do when assessed in 2025. It is not a forecast for a future year, and not a forecast of job losses. Scores for incinerator and water treatment plant operators. Source: ILO (2025), adapted (credits).