Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and surface mining.
U.S. Workers
180,270
Median Salary
$63,980
10-Year Growth
+5.8%
Annual Openings
16,500
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent
20 of 20 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.
Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings.
AI: Fully automatable - Modern AI (LLMs and document-parsing models) can reliably interpret operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings and extract actionable procedures and specifications.
Diagnose faults or malfunctions to determine required repairs, using engine diagnostic equipment such as computerized test equipment and calibration devices.
AI: Fully automatable - AI can fully interpret outputs from computerized diagnostic equipment and recommend required repairs, effectively automating fault diagnosis in most cases.
Research, order, and maintain parts inventory for services and repairs.
AI: Fully automatable - AI systems integrated with inventory management, supplier APIs, and procurement workflows can research parts, place orders, and maintain inventory autonomously.
Schedule maintenance for industrial machines and equipment, and keep equipment service records.
AI: Fully automatable - Scheduling and record-keeping are routine data tasks that AI can fully automate using calendars, CMMS, and predictive maintenance models.
Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
AI: Partial - Automated systems and robotic shops can replace or repair many parts in controlled environments, but field repairs of varied heavy equipment continue to require human mechanics.
Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
AI: Partial - AI can run sensor-based functional tests and analyze results, but human oversight and physical test operation are still required in diverse field conditions.
Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
AI: Partial - AI and computer-vision systems can inspect and assist diagnosis remotely, but operating and fully inspecting heavy equipment in varied environments still requires human intervention.
Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
AI: Partial - Some robotic tools can assist with lifting and repetitive tasks, but fully autonomous dismantling and reassembly of varied heavy equipment is not generally available by 2025.
Overhaul and test machines or equipment to ensure operating efficiency.
AI: Partial - AI can plan and automate many test procedures and provide diagnostic guidance, but full overhauls involve complex manual work that remains largely human-performed.
Adjust, maintain, and repair or replace subassemblies, such as transmissions and crawler heads, using hand tools, jacks, and cranes.
AI: Partial - AI-assisted diagnostics and tooling guidance help, but physically adjusting and replacing large subassemblies requires human skill and strength in most settings.
Repair, rewire, and troubleshoot electrical systems.
AI: Partial - AI can assist troubleshooting and guide rewiring and testers can automate checks, but hands-on repair and fine wiring still need skilled humans.
Examine parts for damage or excessive wear, using micrometers and gauges.
AI: Partial - Automated metrology and vision systems can detect wear in controlled environments, but field inspections using handheld micrometers and gauges still rely on human technicians.
Weld or solder broken parts and structural members, using electric or gas welders and soldering tools.
AI: Partial - Industrial robotic welding automates many repeatable welding tasks, but on-site, variable-condition welding and soldering of heavy equipment typically require skilled human welders.
Fit bearings to adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment.
AI: Partial - Fitting bearings requires fine manual manipulation, tactile feedback, and physical judgment that AI can only advise on, not perform.
Clean, lubricate, and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment and vehicles.
AI: Partial - Cleaning and lubrication are physical maintenance tasks that require manual access and dexterity; AI can assist with guidance or automation support but not fully replace human action in most shops.
Assemble gear systems, and align frames and gears.
AI: Partial - Assembling and aligning gear systems demands precision mechanical skill, on-the-spot adjustments, and physical manipulation that AI can only partially automate with robotic hardware and human oversight.
Clean parts by spraying them with grease solvent or immersing them in tanks of solvent.
AI: Partial - Parts washing can be automated with machinery controlled by AI, but shops often require human handling, inspection, and safety oversight, so AI currently partially automates the task.
Adjust and maintain industrial machinery, using control and regulating devices.
AI: Partial - AI enables monitoring and automated control adjustments and predictive maintenance, but hands-on maintenance and complex adjustments often still need human technicians.
Fabricate needed parts or items from sheet metal.
AI: Partial - Sheet-metal fabrication is highly automatable in shops via CNC cutting, bending, and robotic handling, yet on-site bespoke part fabrication still needs human intervention.
Direct workers who are assembling or disassembling equipment or cleaning parts.
AI: Partial - AI can generate instructions, schedules, and monitor work, but directing workers involves situational leadership and judgment that AI cannot fully replicate.