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Engine and Other Machine Assemblers

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 93 openings expected each year.

Step 1

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

Least exposedband 1 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 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 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. Read and interpret assembly blueprints or specifications manuals, and plan assembly or building operations.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Verify conformance of parts to stock lists or blueprints, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauges, or micrometers.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Inspect, operate, and test completed products to verify functioning, machine capabilities, or conformance to customer specifications.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Position or align components for assembly, manually or using hoists.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Set and verify parts clearances.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Fasten or install piping, fixtures, or wiring and electrical components to form assemblies or subassemblies, using hand tools, rivet guns, or welding equipment.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Remove rough spots and smooth surfaces to fit, trim, or clean parts, using hand tools or power tools.

    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.

  • Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters

    Very similar work
    +19% pay112 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 19% more—$56,333 vs your $47,518 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

    • Visualization
    • Mechanical
    • Near Vision
    • Control Precision
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness

    Your current skills largely cover this move.

  • Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

    Similar work
    +12% pay58 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 12% more—$53,272 vs your $47,518 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

    • Production and Processing
    • Visualization
    • Operations Monitoring
    • Near Vision
    • Control Precision

    New skills to build

    • Administration and Management
  • Millwrights

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    +72% pay81 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 72% more—$81,814 vs your $47,518 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
    • Visualization
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Production and Processing
    • Manual Dexterity

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
    • Mathematics
    • Installation
    • Physics
    • Education and Training
  • Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

    Similar work
    +44% pay51 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 44% more—$68,591 vs your $47,518 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
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Visualization
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Finger Dexterity

    New skills to build

    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Installation
    • Speed of Closure
  • Rail Car Repairers

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    +83% pay164 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 83% more—$86,975 vs your $47,518 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
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Visualization
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Finger Dexterity

    New skills to build

    • Building and Construction
    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting
    • Gross Body Equilibrium
    • Transportation
  • Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

    Somewhat similar work
    +43% pay431 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 43% more—$68,183 vs your $47,518 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
    • Visualization
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Finger Dexterity

    New skills to build

    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting
    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Extent Flexibility
    • Control Precision
  • Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists

    Somewhat similar work
    +52% pay2,106 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 52% more—$72,078 vs your $47,518 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
    • Visualization
    • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    • Manual Dexterity
    • Finger Dexterity

    New skills to build

    • Transportation
    • Repairing
    • Hearing Sensitivity
    • Troubleshooting
    • Computers and Electronics