SOC 51-4021
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ55/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ65,700
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$47K
$35K โ $62K
Projected Growth
๐+1.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค10/100
Low exposure
๐ก Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 55/100 โ 11 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $47K ($670 above the national median). 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 55/100, Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 65,700 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Extruding and Drawing 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
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
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
Measure and examine extruded products to locate defects and to check for conformance to specifications, adjusting controls as necessary to alter products.
Determine setup procedures and select machine dies and parts, according to specifications.
Start machines and set controls to regulate vacuum, air pressure, sizing rings, and temperature, and to synchronize speed of extrusion.
Reel extruded products into rolls of specified lengths and weights.
Install dies, machine screws, and sizing rings on machines that extrude thermoplastic or metal materials.
๐ป Technology Skills
Enterprise application integration software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
Electronic mail software
Presentation software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Mathematics
English Language
Administration and Management
Computers and Electronics
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 | 55% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 65% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 74% |