Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.

The occupation "Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators" has an automation risk of 39.0%, primarily reflecting a moderate susceptibility to automation technologies. The base risk for this occupation is calculated at 39.4%, suggesting that while many tasks could potentially be automated, a significant portion of the work still requires human intervention and adaptability. Much of the role involves physical operation of complex machinery and decision-making in dynamic environments, limiting the full replacement of human workers with machines or AI. Advances in robotics and autonomous vehicles continue to threaten repetitive or standardized elements of this job, but unpredictable site conditions and safety requirements complicate seamless automation. Furthermore, many worksites require adaptability due to differing machinery, local constraints, and shifting priorities. Among the most automatable tasks, record-keeping such as "Keep records of material or equipment usage or problems encountered," and compliance activities like "Learn and follow safety regulations," are highly susceptible to automation because digital systems and software can track, log, and update such data more efficiently than human operators. The task "Take actions to avoid potential hazards or obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, or falling objects," is increasingly aided by sensors and autonomous navigation in machinery, which can detect and react to obstacles faster than an operator. However, these tasks are not always fully automated because nuanced judgement and experience are often required, especially when unexpected situations arise or when systems fail. Conversely, several core responsibilities in this occupation remain highly resistant to automation due to the need for real-time decision-making and adaptability. For example, manually turning valves to control outputs requires physical presence and acute judgement, especially in varying conditions ("Turn valves to control air or water output of compressors or pumps"). Similarly, "Test atmosphere for adequate oxygen or explosive conditions when working in confined spaces" relies on human assessment and responsiveness, which are currently difficult to mechanize fully. Tasks like "Operate compactors, scrapers, or rollers to level, compact, or cover refuse at disposal grounds" also require adaptive control based on changing terrain and material. The low bottleneck skill levels, particularly in originality (2.1%), suggest that creativity is not a primary barrier for automation in this role; instead, physical context awareness and adaptability remain the main limitations to full automation.