SOC 51-4031
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ70/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ174,430
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$46K
$35K โ $63K
Projected Growth
๐-12.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค44/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 70/100 โ 26 points above the national average of 44. With only 44/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $46K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 70/100, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include automated cnc programming and machine operation and predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles. The 174,430 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
Measure completed workpieces to verify conformance to specifications, using micrometers, gauges, calipers, templates, or rulers.
Set stops on machine beds, change dies, and adjust components, such as rams or power presses, when making multiple or successive passes.
Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided design CAD software
Inventory management software
Industrial control software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Production and Processing
Mathematics
English Language
Design
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 65% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 55% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 74% |