Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
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 shrink over the next decade, with about 113 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.
Almost none of this job's tasks are the kind AI can help with or automate.
Tasks AI can't do much of
Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.
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.
Riggers
Very similar work+82% pay90 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 82% more—$108,583 vs your $59,699 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
- Depth Perception
- Mechanical
- Control Precision
- Building and Construction
- Multilimb Coordination
New skills to build
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- Design
- Computers and Electronics
- Engineering and Technology
Millwrights
Very similar work+37% pay81 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 37% more—$81,814 vs your $59,699 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
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Mechanical
- Operation and Control
- Manual Dexterity
New skills to build
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Building and Construction
- Installation
- Engineering and Technology
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Very similar work+14% pay431 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 14% more—$68,183 vs your $59,699 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Mechanical
- Operation and Control
- Manual Dexterity
New skills to build
- Extent Flexibility
- Computers and Electronics
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Equipment Maintenance
Construction Laborers
Similar workslightly less pay6,031 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$57,446 vs your $59,699 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Multilimb Coordination
- Manual Dexterity
- Building and Construction
- Static Strength
- Oral Comprehension
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Similar work+8% pay381 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 8% more—$64,460 vs your $59,699 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
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Reaction Time
New skills to build
- Physics
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Similar work+39% pay1,580 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 39% more—$83,178 vs your $59,699 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
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Depth Perception
- Operation and Control
- Reaction Time
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Somewhat similar work+50% pay321 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 50% more—$89,511 vs your $59,699 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
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Far Vision
- Reaction Time
- Mechanical
New skills to build
- Transportation
- Engineering and Technology
- Production and Processing