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Maintenance Workers, Machinery

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 222 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 17% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  2. Read work orders and specifications to determine machines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  3. Inventory and requisition machine parts, equipment, and other supplies so that stock can be maintained and replenished.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.

    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.

  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics

    Very similar work
    +3% pay4,530 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 3% more—$71,717 vs your $69,527 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

    • Hearing Sensitivity
    • Finger Dexterity
    • Reaction Time
  • 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 $69,527 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
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness

    New skills to build

    • Finger Dexterity
    • Speed of Closure
  • 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 $69,527 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
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Repairing
    • Operations Monitoring
    • Troubleshooting

    New skills to build

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Extent Flexibility
    • Transportation
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Control Precision
  • Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door

    Very similar work
    +50% pay12,479 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 50% more—$104,013 vs your $69,527 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
    • Design
    • Near Vision
    • Problem Sensitivity
    • Repairing

    New skills to build

    • Customer and Personal Service
    • Public Safety and Security
    • Engineering and Technology
    • Computers and Electronics
    • Building and Construction
  • Rail Car Repairers

    Very similar work
    +25% pay164 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays about 25% more—$86,975 vs your $69,527 here.

    What the move takes

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

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Repairing
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Troubleshooting
    • Equipment Maintenance

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
    • Transportation
    • Engineering and Technology