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Industrial Machinery Mechanics

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 4,530 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 about a quarter 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 38% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Record repairs and maintenance performed.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Record parts or materials used and order or requisition new parts or materials, as necessary.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  3. Analyze test results, machine error messages, or information obtained from operators to diagnose equipment problems.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  4. Study blueprints or manufacturers' manuals to determine correct installation or operation of machinery.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  5. Enter codes and instructions to program computer-controlled machinery.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.

    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.

  • Maintenance Workers, Machinery

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay222 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$69,527 vs your $71,717 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
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Repairing
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness

    New skills to build

    • Administration and Management
  • Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay431 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays slightly less—$68,183 vs your $71,717 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
    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Control Precision

    New skills to build

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Transportation
  • Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

    Very similar work
    +45% pay12,479 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 45% more—$104,013 vs your $71,717 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
    • Near Vision
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Information Ordering
    • Problem Sensitivity

    New skills to build

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Law and Government
    • Administrative
  • Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

    Very similar work
    slightly less pay51 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays slightly less—$68,591 vs your $71,717 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with less than 5 years of experience, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Repairing
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Troubleshooting
    • Equipment Maintenance

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Millwrights

    Very similar work
    +14% pay81 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 14% more—$81,814 vs your $71,717 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
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Near Vision
    • Equipment Maintenance

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
    • Mathematics
    • Education and Training
    • Administration and Management
    • Transportation