Build rough wooden structures, such as concrete forms, scaffolds, tunnel, bridge, or sewer supports, billboard signs, and temporary frame shelters, according to sketches, blueprints, or oral instructions.
U.S. Workers
697,740
Median Salary
$59,310
10-Year Growth
+4.5%
Annual Openings
74,100
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.
Measure materials or distances, using square, measuring tape, or rule to lay out work.
AI: Fully automatable - AI with laser/photogrammetry/LiDAR and AR tools can accurately measure materials and distances and produce reliable layout data without manual tape measures.
Study blueprints and diagrams to determine dimensions of structure or form to be constructed.
AI: Fully automatable - AI systems can parse blueprints/diagrams, extract dimensions and generate construction-ready measurements and plans automatically.
Maintain job records and schedule work crew.
AI: Fully automatable - Record-keeping and crew scheduling are already well automated by AI-enabled software and can be fully handled by 2025 tools.
Fabricate parts, using woodworking and metalworking machines.
AI: Fully automatable - Programmed CNC, CAM software and automated machine tools already allow AI-assisted end-to-end fabrication of many wood and metal parts without continuous human intervention.
Cut or saw boards, timbers, or plywood to required size, using handsaw, power saw, or woodworking machine.
AI: Partial - Automated saws and CNC cutting fully handle controlled shop cutting, but on-site, variable cutting tasks still require human operators, so capability is partial.
Mark cutting lines on materials, using pencil and scriber.
AI: Partial - Robotic marking and CNC/layout machines can automate marking in prefabrication settings, but on-site manual marking remains common and not fully automated.
Anchor and brace forms and other structures in place, using nails, bolts, anchor rods, steel cables, planks, wedges, and timbers.
AI: Partial - Anchoring and bracing involve variable, heavy-duty physical work and real-time judgment that current automation can assist with but not fully replace on typical sites.
Erect forms, framework, scaffolds, hoists, roof supports, or chutes, using hand tools, plumb rule, and level.
AI: Partial - Erecting forms, scaffolds and complex frameworks can be assisted by machinery and planning AI, but full autonomous erection in varied site conditions is not yet general-purpose automated.
Assemble and fasten material together to construct wood or metal framework of structure, using bolts, nails, or screws.
AI: Partial - Assembly and fastening can be fully automated in controlled factory environments, but on-site fastening of diverse assemblies still requires human dexterity and oversight.
Bore boltholes in timber, masonry or concrete walls, using power drill.
AI: Partial - Automated drilling rigs and robotic systems can bore holes in controlled contexts, but flexible, precise on-site bolthole drilling across varied materials remains only partially automated.
Install rough door and window frames, subflooring, fixtures, or temporary supports in structures undergoing construction or repair.
AI: Partial - AI and semi-autonomous robots can assist with measuring, planning, and some installation tasks, but full end-to-end installation in varied on-site conditions still requires human manual dexterity and judgment.
Build sleds from logs and timbers for use in hauling camp buildings and machinery through wooded areas.
AI: Partial - Mechanical equipment and robotic aids can assist with log handling and repetitive fabrication, but bespoke outdoor sled construction in variable terrain is not fully automatable by 2025.
Examine structural timbers and supports to detect decay, and replace timbers as required, using hand tools, nuts, and bolts.
AI: Partial - AI vision and inspection tools can detect decay and recommend replacements, but physically replacing timbers with hand tools and fasteners remains a manual, skill-based task in most settings.
Dig or direct digging of post holes and set poles to support structures.
AI: Partial - Autonomous and semi-autonomous excavation equipment can dig holes under guidance, but reliably directing and setting poles in complex, variable sites still needs human oversight and manual work.
Build chutes for pouring concrete.
AI: Partial - AI can design chutes and guide prefabrication or robotic assembly, yet constructing and installing temporary concrete chutes on diverse job sites typically requires manual labor and adaptation.