Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems.
U.S. Workers
421,940
Median Salary
$63,760
10-Year Growth
+16.1%
Annual Openings
45,700
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent
15 of 15 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Observe and test the operation of machinery or equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using voltmeters or other testing devices.
AI: Fully automatable - AI systems can ingest sensor and test‑device data (including voltmeter outputs), run diagnostic algorithms and propose root causes and tests, effectively automating observation and diagnosis when instrumentation is present.
Examine parts for defects, such as breakage or excessive wear.
AI: Fully automatable - Computer vision and sensor systems reliably detect many defects such as breakage or excessive wear, enabling full automation of visual/tactile inspection in many settings by 2025.
Analyze test results, machine error messages, or information obtained from operators to diagnose equipment problems.
AI: Fully automatable - AI systems can analyze test results, error messages, and operator information to diagnose many equipment problems autonomously by 2025.
Record parts or materials used and order or requisition new parts or materials as necessary.
AI: Fully automatable - Inventory and procurement systems integrated with AI can fully record parts used and automatically order or requisition replacements.
Record repairs and maintenance performed.
AI: Fully automatable - Digital maintenance logging and automated workflows allow AI to fully record repairs and maintenance performed.
Study blueprints or manufacturers' manuals to determine correct installation or operation of machinery.
AI: Fully automatable - AI can parse blueprints and manufacturers' manuals to extract installation and operation instructions, enabling this information-processing task to be fully automated.
Enter codes and instructions to program computer-controlled machinery.
AI: Fully automatable - AI tools can generate and input G-code or PLC logic and program computer-controlled machinery, enabling full automation of programming tasks.
Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
AI: Partial - AI can identify faulty components, recommend replacements and supply part procedures, yet physical replacement and fine mechanical repairs still require human technicians or specialized robotics not universally available.
Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
AI: Partial - AI can perform diagnostics, predictive maintenance scheduling, and guided repair instructions, but cannot autonomously perform the full range of hands‑on mechanical maintenance tasks in varied industrial environments.
Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.
AI: Partial - AI can generate and optimize disassembly plans and safety steps, but cannot generally execute the physical disassembly and manipulation of heavy or complex machinery parts on site.
Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.
AI: Partial - Robotic systems can assist with reassembly in structured settings, but full autonomous reassembly across varied, unstructured industrial contexts is not broadly reliable by 2025.
Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.
AI: Partial - Routine cleaning and lubrication can be automated in constrained environments, but many adjustments and reach/dexterity tasks still require human hands and judgment.
Operate newly repaired machinery or equipment to verify the adequacy of repairs.
AI: Partial - Automated test routines and sensor monitoring can run post-repair checks, but operating and verifying complex machinery often still requires human oversight and intervention.
Cut and weld metal to repair broken metal parts, fabricate new parts, or assemble new equipment.
AI: Partial - Industrial robots handle many cutting and welding tasks in controlled settings, but on-site repairs and complex fabrication still frequently require skilled human welders.
Demonstrate equipment functions and features to machine operators.
AI: Partial - AI can create and deliver virtual/AR demonstrations and scripted walkthroughs but lacks universal hands‑on presence for complex in‑person equipment demonstrations.