Industrial Truck and Tractor 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 shrink over the next decade, with about 1,632 openings expected each year.
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
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.
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 11% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Weigh materials or products and record weight or other production data on tags or labels.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Move levers or controls that operate lifting devices, such as forklifts, lift beams with swivel-hooks, hoists, or elevating platforms, to load, unload, transport, or stack material.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Move controls to drive gasoline- or electric-powered trucks, cars, or tractors and transport materials between loading, processing, and storage areas.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Manually or mechanically load or unload materials from pallets, skids, platforms, cars, lifting devices, or other transport vehicles.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Position lifting devices under, over, or around loaded pallets, skids, or boxes and secure material or products for transport to designated areas.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Inspect product load for accuracy and safely move it around the warehouse or facility to ensure timely and complete delivery.
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.
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
Very similar workslightly less pay11,417 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$45,611 vs your $50,099 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Multilimb Coordination
- Static Strength
- Control Precision
- Manual Dexterity
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Public Safety and Security
- Personnel and Human Resources
- Administration and Management
- Education and Training
Riggers
Similar work+117% pay90 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 117% more—$108,583 vs your $50,099 here.
What the move takes
A step up—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
- Depth Perception
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Far Vision
- Operation and Control
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Design
- Building and Construction
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
Similar work+19% pay113 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 19% more—$59,699 vs your $50,099 here.
What the move takes
A step up—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 up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Far Vision
- Depth Perception
- Response Orientation
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Speed of Limb Movement
- Equipment Selection
- Management of Personnel Resources
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Similar work+44% pay2,106 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 44% more—$72,078 vs your $50,099 here.
What the move takes
A step up—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
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Manual Dexterity
- Problem Sensitivity
- Auditory Attention
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Transportation
- Repairing
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Similar work+66% pay1,580 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 66% more—$83,178 vs your $50,099 here.
What the move takes
A step up—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
- Multilimb Coordination
- Depth Perception
- Far Vision
- Operation and Control
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Somewhat similar work+36% pay431 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 36% more—$68,183 vs your $50,099 here.
What the move takes
A step up—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
- Control Precision
- Multilimb Coordination
- Operation and Control
- Reaction Time
- Static Strength
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Quality Control Analysis
- Equipment Selection
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay93 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$47,518 vs your $50,099 here.
What the move takes
A step up—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
- Multilimb Coordination
- Manual Dexterity
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Quality Control Analysis
- Design
- Customer and Personal Service
Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
Somewhat similar work+29% pay381 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 29% more—$64,460 vs your $50,099 here.
What the move takes
A step up—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
- Multilimb Coordination
- Reaction Time
- Rate Control
- Operation and Control
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Mechanical
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Design