Installation & Repair · SOC 49-3042
Cranes, bulldozers, and hydraulic excavators demand physical expertise and safety accountability that AI cannot replicate.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: The physical complexity and safety stakes of heavy mobile equipment make full-scale AI encroachment unlikely before 2040; telematics will aid diagnosis but not replace the hands.
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$40,360 median pay
$58,540 median pay
$50,490 median pay
$62,060 median pay
$47,200 median pay
$60,500 median pay
AI job-risk card
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines is 10/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
10 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Maintenance scheduling and service record management, Diagnostic code interpretation from telematics systems, Parts ordering and inventory tracking. Harder to automate: Hydraulic and pneumatic system repair, Hands-on inspection of heavy structural components, Safe operation and testing under load, Reading and applying technical blueprints on-site.
Lean into Hydraulic systems troubleshooting, Heavy equipment telematics (Cat Connect, Komatsu KOMTRAX), Hybrid and electric heavy machinery basics, Safety certification (OSHA, NCCCO). Consider roles such as Heavy equipment fleet supervisor or OEM technical service representative or Construction equipment instructor.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.