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Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

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 200 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second 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

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

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 second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second 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 18% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  3. Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Read and interpret pilots' descriptions of problems to diagnose causes.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

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.

  • Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

    Similar work
    slightly less pay12,479 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$104,013 vs your $105,701 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Oral Comprehension
    • Near Vision

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
  • Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

    Somewhat similar work
    slightly less pay765 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$96,212 vs your $105,701 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

    • Mechanical
    • Operations Monitoring
    • Near Vision
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Oral Comprehension

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
  • Ship Engineers

    Somewhat similar work
    +29% pay72 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 29% more—$136,570 vs your $105,701 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, with less than 5 years of experience.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Deductive Reasoning
    • Critical Thinking
    • Operations Monitoring

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction