Crane and Tower Operators
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 hold steady over the next decade, with about 131 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 27% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Determine load weights and check them against lifting capacities to prevent overload.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Review daily work or delivery schedules to determine orders, sequences of deliveries, or special loading instructions.
AI could do much of this on its own
Weigh bundles, using floor scales, and record weights for company records.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Move levers, depress foot pedals, or turn dials to operate cranes, cherry pickers, electromagnets, or other moving equipment for lifting, moving, or placing loads.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Inspect and adjust crane mechanisms or lifting accessories to prevent malfunctions or damage.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Inspect cables or grappling devices for wear and install or replace cables, as needed.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Direct helpers engaged in placing blocking or outrigging under cranes.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Clean, lubricate, and maintain mechanisms such as cables, pulleys, or grappling devices, making repairs, as necessary.
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.
Riggers
Similar work+24% pay90 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 24% more—$108,583 vs your $87,725 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
- Mechanical
- Depth Perception
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Far Vision
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service
- Design
- Administration and Management
- Building and Construction
- Production and Processing
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Similar work+8% pay240 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 8% more—$95,116 vs your $87,725 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
- Multilimb Coordination
- Control Precision
- Depth Perception
- Mechanical
- Reaction Time
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Static Strength
- Gross Body Equilibrium
- Dynamic Strength
- Trunk Strength
Millwrights
Similar workslightly less pay81 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$81,814 vs your $87,725 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
- Control Precision
- Mechanical
- Multilimb Coordination
- Near Vision
- Operation and Control
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Mathematics
- Installation
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Technology
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay1,580 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$83,178 vs your $87,725 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
- Control Precision
- Depth Perception
- Multilimb Coordination
- Mechanical
- Operation and Control
Your current skills largely cover this move.