Will AI replace maintenance and repair workers, general?AI replacement risk 26% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$49,590
25th–75th pct. $40,840–$62,620
Top pay (est.)
$100,300
Top 10% $77,180
Pay in 5 years
$58,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$67,900est.
$58,400–$78,800
Outlook score
60/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
26%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+4.2%
149K openings / yr

Will AI replace Maintenance and Repair Workers, General? AI replacement risk

26%
Low
Ranked #202 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

Key skills

Equipment Maintenance
3.9
Repairing
3.9
Troubleshooting
3.8
Quality Control Analysis
3.2
Installation
3.1
Operations Monitoring
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.1
Operation and Control
3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Building and Construction
4.4
Mechanical
4.4
English Language
3.4
Production and Processing
3.3
Customer and Personal Service
3.1
Mathematics
2.9
Design
2.6
Public Safety and Security
2.6

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesThinking CreativelyRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Important abilities

VisualizationExtent FlexibilityOral ComprehensionInformation OrderingNear VisionMultilimb Coordination

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate
63%
High school diploma
25%
Some college
7%
Associate's degree
3%
Master's degree
1%
Less than high school
1%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
17%
1–3 months
16%
1–2 years
15%
6–12 months
12%
3–6 months
4%
2–4 years
2%
Over 10 years
1%
4–10 years
1%

Related work experience

1–2 years
27%
4–6 years
19%
6–12 months
3%
Over 10 years
3%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.