SOC 47-4051
Highway Maintenance Workers
Risk Score
⚠️57/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥151,750
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$49K
$35K – $69K
Projected Growth
📈+3%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖24/100
Low exposure
💡 Highway Maintenance Workers face a risk score of 57/100 — 13 points above the national average of 44. With only 24/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $49K ($3K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 57/100, Highway Maintenance Workers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like autonomous heavy equipment operation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 151,750 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in navigating unpredictable and unstructured job sites and physical work in confined or elevated spaces to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Highway Maintenance Workers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Autonomous heavy equipment operation
AI project scheduling and resource optimization
3D printing of building components
Drone-based site surveying and inspection
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Navigating unpredictable and unstructured job sites
Physical work in confined or elevated spaces
Fine motor craftsmanship in custom installations
Adapting to unique building configurations on-site
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 59% |
| Extraction Workers | 29 | $56K | 71% |
| Electricians | 32 | $62K | 80% |