Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
The short answer
This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to grow over the next decade, with about 1,580 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.
AI can help with or automate about 4% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Keep records of material or equipment usage or problems encountered.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Learn and follow safety regulations.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Check fuel supplies at sites to ensure adequate availability.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Very similar work+8% pay321 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 8% more—$89,511 vs your $83,178 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Reaction Time
- Far Vision
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Transportation
- Dynamic Strength
- Engineering and Technology
Millwrights
Similar workslightly less pay81 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$81,814 vs your $83,178 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Near Vision
- Operation and Control
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Installation
- Mathematics
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
Riggers
Somewhat similar work+31% pay90 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 31% more—$108,583 vs your $83,178 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Depth Perception
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Far Vision
New skills to build
- Design
- Production and Processing
- Building and Construction
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service