Maintenance workers, machinery
SOC Code: 49-9043
Maintenance workers, machinery carries a 31% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $60,500 and -2.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 57,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Maintenance workers, machinery (SOC 49-9043) carries an AI exposure score of 31%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 57,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -2.8% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $60,500, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Maintenance workers, machinery. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Dismantle machines and remove parts for repair, using hand tools, chain falls, jacks, cranes, or hoists.
- 2. Reassemble machines after the completion of repair or maintenance work.
- 3. Record production, repair, and machine maintenance information.
- 4. Lubricate or apply adhesives or other materials to machines, machine parts, or other equipment according to specified procedures.
- 5. Install, replace, or change machine parts and attachments, according to production specifications.
- 6. Set up and operate machines, and adjust controls to regulate operations.
- 7. Collaborate with other workers to repair or move machines, machine parts, or equipment.
- 8. Read work orders and specifications to determine machines and equipment requiring repair or maintenance.
- 9. Inspect or test damaged machine parts, and mark defective areas or advise supervisors of repair needs.
- 10. Start machines and observe mechanical operation to determine efficiency and to detect problems.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Operation and Control
- Quality Control Analysis
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Coordination
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Design
- Education and Training
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Maintenance workers, machinery?
Maintenance workers, machinery has an AI exposure score of 31%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Maintenance workers, machinery?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Maintenance workers, machinery is projected to decline by 2.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 57,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Maintenance workers, machinery?
Key skills for Maintenance workers, machinery include Operations Monitoring, Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Maintenance workers, machinery earn?
The median annual wage for Maintenance workers, machinery is $60,500, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Maintenance workers, machinery?
The typical entry-level education for Maintenance workers, machinery is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Maintenance workers, machinery?
Maintenance workers, machinery roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).