SOC 51-9022
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ86/100
Very High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ11,850
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$42K
$32K โ $57K
Projected Growth
๐-21.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค53/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand face a risk score of 86/100 โ 42 points above the national average of 44. With 53/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $42K. 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 86/100, Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include ai quality inspection via computer vision systems and industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks. The 11,850 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
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
Verify quality of finished workpieces by inspecting them, comparing them to templates, measuring their dimensions, or testing them in working machinery.
Grind, sand, clean, or polish objects or parts to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools.
Measure and mark equipment, objects, or parts to ensure grinding and polishing standards are met.
Trim, scrape, or deburr objects or parts, using chisels, scrapers, and other hand tools and equipment.
Mark defects, such as knotholes, cracks, and splits, for repair.
๐ป Technology Skills
Spreadsheet software
Word processing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Mechanical
English Language
Mathematics
Education and Training
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 | 57% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 67% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 76% |