SOC 51-4022
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ75/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ8,760
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$49K
$35K โ $70K
Projected Growth
๐-18.9%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค10/100
Low exposure
๐ก Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 75/100 โ 31 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 $49K ($3K 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 75/100, Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include smart factory scheduling and production optimization and cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks. The 8,760 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Forging 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
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
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
Read work orders or blueprints to determine specified tolerances and sequences of operations for machine setup.
Position and move metal wires or workpieces through a series of dies that compress and shape stock to form die impressions.
Measure and inspect machined parts to ensure conformance to product specifications.
Set up, operate, or tend presses and forging machines to perform hot or cold forging by flattening, straightening, bending, cutting, piercing, or other operations to taper, shape, or form metal.
Turn handles or knobs to set pressures and depths of ram strokes and to synchronize machine operations.
๐ป Technology Skills
Electronic mail software
Inventory management software
Industrial control software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Mathematics
Education and Training
Mechanical
Engineering and Technology
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 | 84% |