SOC 47-2073
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ61/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ469,270
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$59K
$40K โ $101K
Projected Growth
๐+3.6%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค38/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators face a risk score of 61/100 โ 17 points above the national average of 44. With only 38/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $59K ($12K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 61/100, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 469,270 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in adapting to unique building configurations on-site and client-facing consultation on custom project needs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Robotic bricklaying and prefabrication automation
Autonomous heavy equipment operation
BIM-integrated automated progress tracking
3D printing of building components
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Adapting to unique building configurations on-site
Client-facing consultation on custom project needs
Real-time safety judgment in hazardous conditions
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Learn and follow safety regulations.
Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects.
Start engines, move throttles, switches, or levers, or depress pedals to operate machines, such as bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, or backhoes.
Coordinate machine actions with other activities, positioning or moving loads in response to hand or audio signals from crew members.
Align machines, cutterheads, or depth gauge makers with reference stakes and guidelines or ground or position equipment, following hand signals of other workers.
๐ป Technology Skills
Facilities management software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Electronic mail software
Operating system software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
English Language
Public Safety and Security
Mathematics
Administration and Management
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 67% |
| Electricians | 32 | $62K | 73% |
| Supervisors of Construction and Extraction Workers | 33 | $79K | 71% |