Maintenance and Repair Workers, General

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (3%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 5 (17%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 24 (80%)

• Record type and cost of maintenance or repair work.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Order parts, supplies, or equipment from catalogs or suppliers.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Diagnose mechanical problems and determine how to correct them, checking blueprints, repair manuals, or parts catalogs, as necessary.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Design new equipment to aid in the repair or maintenance of machines, mechanical equipment, or building structures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Estimate costs to repair machinery, equipment, or building structures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan and lay out repair work, using diagrams, drawings, blueprints, maintenance manuals, or schematic diagrams.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Perform routine maintenance, such as inspecting drives, motors, or belts, checking fluid levels, replacing filters, or doing other preventive maintenance actions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect, operate, or test machinery or equipment to diagnose machine malfunctions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Adjust functional parts of devices or control instruments, using hand tools, levels, plumb bobs, or straightedges.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Repair machines, equipment, or structures, using tools such as hammers, hoists, saws, drills, wrenches, or equipment such as precision measuring instruments or electrical or electronic testing devices.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Assemble, install, or repair wiring, electrical or electronic components, pipe systems, plumbing, machinery, or equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Clean or lubricate shafts, bearings, gears, or other parts of machinery.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Align and balance new equipment after installation.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Maintain or repair specialized equipment or machinery located in cafeterias, laundries, hospitals, stores, offices, or factories.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Dismantle machines, equipment, or devices to access and remove defective parts, using hoists, cranes, hand tools, or power tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install equipment to improve the energy or operational efficiency of residential or commercial buildings.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up and operate machine tools to repair or fabricate machine parts, jigs, fixtures, or tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform general cleaning of buildings or properties.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Train or manage maintenance personnel or subcontractors.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Fabricate or repair counters, benches, partitions, or other wooden structures, such as sheds or outbuildings.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Paint or repair roofs, windows, doors, floors, woodwork, plaster, drywall, or other parts of building structures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform routine maintenance on boilers, such as replacing burners or hoses, installing replacement parts, or reinforcing structural weaknesses to ensure optimal boiler efficiency.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Test and treat water supply.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Provide groundskeeping services, such as landscaping or snow removal.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Operate cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Inspect used parts to determine changes in dimensional requirements, using rules, calipers, micrometers, or other measuring instruments.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Assemble boilers at installation sites, using tools such as levels, plumb bobs, hammers, torches, or other hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Lay brick to repair or maintain buildings, walls, arches, or other structures.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Position, attach, or blow insulating materials to prevent energy losses from buildings, pipes, or other structures or objects.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Grind and reseat valves, using valve-grinding machines.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about maintenance and repair workers, general and AI