Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
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 15,319 openings expected each year.
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
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.
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 22% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Order parts, supplies, or equipment from catalogs or suppliers.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Diagnose mechanical problems and determine how to correct them, checking blueprints, repair manuals, or parts catalogs, as necessary.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Design new equipment to aid in the repair or maintenance of machines, mechanical equipment, or building structures.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Estimate costs to repair machinery, equipment, or building structures.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Record type and cost of maintenance or repair work.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Perform routine maintenance, such as inspecting drives, motors, or belts, checking fluid levels, replacing filters, or doing other preventive maintenance actions.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Inspect, operate, or test machinery or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Adjust functional parts of devices or control instruments, using hand tools, levels, plumb bobs, or straightedges.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Repair machines, equipment, or structures, using tools such as hammers, hoists, saws, drills, wrenches, or equipment such as precision measuring instruments or electrical or electronic testing devices.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Perform routine maintenance on boilers, such as replacing burners or hoses, installing replacement parts, or reinforcing structural weaknesses to ensure optimal boiler efficiency.
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.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Very similar work+21% pay4,530 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 21% more—$71,717 vs your $59,426 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
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Reaction Time
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Very similar work+15% pay431 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 15% more—$68,183 vs your $59,426 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
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Computers and Electronics
- Reaction Time
- Rate Control
- Control Precision
Millwrights
Very similar work+38% pay81 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 38% more—$81,814 vs your $59,426 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
- Building and Construction
- Information Ordering
- Equipment Maintenance
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Physics
- Administration and Management
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Very similar work+17% pay222 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 17% more—$69,527 vs your $59,426 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
- Troubleshooting
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Very similar work+15% pay51 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 15% more—$68,591 vs your $59,426 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
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Finger Dexterity
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Very similar workslightly less pay53 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$58,148 vs your $59,426 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
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Computers and Electronics
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- Control Precision
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Similar work+75% pay12,479 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 75% more—$104,013 vs your $59,426 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
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
- Extent Flexibility
New skills to build
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security
- Physics
- Administration and Management
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Similar work+29% pay2,122 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 29% more—$76,536 vs your $59,426 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Near Vision
- Repairing
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service
- Physics
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Sales and Marketing
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Similar work+62% pay765 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 62% more—$96,212 vs your $59,426 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
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Repairing
New skills to build
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Public Safety and Security
- Operations Monitoring
- Computers and Electronics
Power Plant Operators
Somewhat similar work+84% pay6,702 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 84% more—$109,433 vs your $59,426 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
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
- Information Ordering
New skills to build
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Somewhat similar work+34% pay3,557 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 34% more—$79,594 vs your $59,426 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Building and Construction
- Near Vision
- English Language
- Problem Sensitivity
New skills to build
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Physics