What They Do
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting
Employment Impact
1.5M
People employed
30.1M
Estimated global impact (extrapolated from US market data)
AI Impact Overview
AI will change but not eliminate the core role of Maintenance and Repair Workers. Some tasks will be automated while others endure due to physical and adaptive nature.
Detailed Analysis
Maintenance and Repair Workers are somewhat insulated from full AI replacement due to the hands-on, context-specific, and often physically demanding nature of most tasks. However, repetitive diagnostics, scheduling, and administrative elements are at risk of automation. Workers who evolve their skillset to include use of AI-enabled tools, IoT systems, and develop soft skills such as customer communication and leadership, will remain valuable. Junior roles face a higher risk due to automation of basic tasks, while senior workers with oversight, strategic, and training functions are far less vulnerable.
Opportunity
"By learning to work alongside AI, leveraging new technologies, and cultivating uniquely human skills, Maintenance and Repair Workers can future-proof their careers and unlock new growth opportunities."
AI Risk Assessment
Risk level varies by experience level
Junior Level
Routine maintenance, equipment checks, and basic diagnostics may increasingly be assisted or replaced by AI-powered sensors or robots, reducing entry-level opportunities.
Mid-level
Workers with complementary technical and digital skills will benefit from using AI tools for efficiency and effectiveness, with less direct risk of job loss.
Senior Level
Roles focused on complex troubleshooting, supervision, team leadership, and strategic adoption of new technologies are least likely to be replaced by AI.
AI-Driven Job Forecasts
2 Years
Near-term Outlook
Job Outlook
Demand for skilled Maintenance and Repair Workers will remain steady. AI tools will primarily support, rather than replace, daily tasks. Adoption of digital diagnostic tools will be incremental.
Transition Strategy
Upskill in digital literacy and basic AI/IoT tools, enroll in predictive maintenance training, participate in manufacturer-led AI workshops, and seek mentoring from tech-savvy colleagues.
5 Years
Medium-term Impact
Job Outlook
Widespread integration of AI-enabled diagnostics and maintenance platforms. Routine scheduling and reporting tasks will be partially automated, shifting focus toward oversight and customer service.
Transition Strategy
Acquire certification in AI-powered maintenance platforms, attend IoT and smart building seminars, pursue leadership training in technology change management, and expand cross-functional collaboration (IT/facilities teams).
7+ Years
Long-term Vision
Job Outlook
Automation may handle highly standardized or hazardous maintenance, but demand for adaptable, strategic, and supervisory maintenance professionals will remain. Increased focus on AI-system maintenance and advanced robotics oversight.
Transition Strategy
Specialize in AI robot maintenance, seek advanced credentials in facility automation, participate in AI ethics and safety training, pursue consulting opportunities, and mentor junior staff in high-tech processes.
Industry Trends
Changing Regulatory and Compliance Landscape
Workers must stay up to date with legal standards for tech and equipment.
Data Driven Performance Management
Maintenance scheduling, quality, and reporting increasingly based on real-time analytics.
Emphasis on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
New roles emerge for optimizing resource use and managing green building tech.
Expansion of Smart Building Technologies
Wider scope for those with knowledge of building automation and digital controls.
Growth of the Internet of Things IoT in Facilities
Increases the need for workers skilled in sensor, network, and smart device maintenance.
Hybrid Work and Flexible Staffing Models
Collaboration with remote teams and dynamic staffing increase focus on digital tools and communication.
Increased Focus on Cybersecurity in Device Ecosystems
Raises skill requirements to manage security of inter-connected maintenance equipment.
Integration of Advanced Robotics in Hazardous Settings
Routine, dangerous, or repetitive jobs migrate to robots, while oversight, adaptation, and troubleshooting remain human-led.
Predictive Maintenance Adoption
Workers must interpret AI-driven data and manage exceptions that AI cannot predict.
Remote Diagnostics and Support
Requires digital skills for AR/VR collaboration and remote troubleshooting.
AI-Resistant Skills
Ethical Decision Making
Physical Dexterity
Alternative Career Paths
Building Automation Specialist
Focuses on the implementation and management of automated building systems.
Relevance: Utilizes both mechanical skills and knowledge of IoT/AI systems.
Facilities Manager
Oversees physical resources, maintenance, and upgrades in buildings.
Relevance: Requires leadership, planning, and familiarity with emerging maintenance technologies.
Safety Inspector
Conducts safety audits on construction sites, ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
Relevance: Relies on industry knowledge, regulatory expertise, and keen observation.
Emerging AI Tools Tracker
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