Will AI replace highway maintenance workers?

While some machinery is becoming more automated, the sheer variety of tasks—from clearing brush to emergency repairs—requires human flexibility. AI cannot manage the chaotic environment of active traffic and varying weather.

Highway Maintenance Worker scores 10/100 — This career is well shielded from AI replacement. Roughly 20% of the tasks in this role could be automated with current and near-future AI.

The US median salary for a highway maintenance worker is about $46,000 per year, with projected employment growth of +4% over the next decade (about average).

Automating the painting of straight lines on highways. Using drones to inspect bridge underside structures for cracks. Monitoring road surface temperatures to trigger salt spreading. Logging road damage locations via GPS-enabled vehicle sensors.

Highway Maintenance Worker has a low AI risk score (10/100) and a +4% 10-year outlook. Compare it with your current job or use the salary calculator to see how a switch would affect your pay.

AI can speed up routine highway maintenance worker tasks like Automating the painting of straight lines on highways. and Using drones to inspect bridge underside structures for cracks.. The most resilient workers learn to direct these tools while focusing on the human judgment, creativity and physical work that AI can't easily replicate.