Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
SOC Code: 49-3042
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $63,980 and +5.8% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 188,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 29% AI exposure, Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines sits 8 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 26% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines has ai exposure of 29%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines (SOC 49-3042) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, 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 188,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.8% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $63,980, 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 Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines. 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. Repair and replace damaged or worn parts.
- 2. Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
- 3. Operate and inspect machines or heavy equipment to diagnose defects.
- 4. Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings.
- 5. Dismantle and reassemble heavy equipment using hoists and hand tools.
- 6. Overhaul and test machines or equipment to ensure operating efficiency.
- 7. Adjust, maintain, and repair or replace subassemblies, such as transmissions and crawler heads, using hand tools, jacks, and cranes.
- 8. Repair, rewire, and troubleshoot electrical systems.
- 9. Diagnose faults or malfunctions to determine required repairs, using engine diagnostic equipment such as computerized test equipment and calibration devices.
- 10. Examine parts for damage or excessive wear, using micrometers and gauges.
Key Skills Required
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Equipment Maintenance
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Selection
- Quality Control Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Public Safety and Security
- Building and Construction
- English Language
- Transportation
- Engineering and Technology
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines?
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines has an AI exposure score of 29%, 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 Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines is projected to grow by 5.8% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 188,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines?
Key skills for Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines include Troubleshooting, Repairing, Equipment Maintenance, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines earn?
The median annual wage for Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines is $63,980, 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 Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines?
The typical entry-level education for Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines 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 Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines?
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines 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.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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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).