Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace maintenance workers, machinery?AI replacement risk 28% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$60,850
25th–75th pct. $48,920–$75,200
Top pay (est.)
$115,100
Top 10% $88,550
Pay in 5 years
$70,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$80,800est.
$69,400–$93,800
Outlook score
46/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
28%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−1.9%
4,400 openings / yr

Will AI replace Maintenance Workers, Machinery? AI replacement risk

28%
Low
Ranked #229 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 Workers, Machinery

Key skills

Equipment Maintenance
3.8
Operations Monitoring
3.8
Repairing
3.6
Troubleshooting
3.4
Operation and Control
3.2
Quality Control Analysis
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Coordination
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
5.8
Design
3.6
Production and Processing
3.5
Education and Training
3.4
English Language
3.4
Administration and Management
3.2
Mathematics
3.0
Engineering and Technology
2.9

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesUpdating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Important abilities

Near VisionArm-Hand SteadinessVisualizationOral ExpressionControl PrecisionExtent Flexibility

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate
54%
High school diploma
41%
Associate's degree
3%
Post-bachelor's certificate
3%

Training before entry

6–12 months
25%
1–3 months
20%
Over 10 years
15%
None / short demo
13%
3–6 months
10%
Up to 1 month
7%
2–4 years
6%
1–2 years
3%

Related work experience

1–2 years
36%
4–6 years
23%
Over 10 years
15%
2–4 years
8%
3–6 months
6%
1–3 months
5%
Up to 1 month
5%
6–12 months
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.