SOC 51-4034
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ71/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ18,970
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$49K
$36K โ $65K
Projected Growth
๐-13.6%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค34/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 71/100 โ 27 points above the national average of 44. With only 34/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $49K ($2K 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 71/100, Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks and smart factory scheduling and production optimization. The 18,970 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and setup and calibration of custom production runs to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Lathe and Turning Machine Tool 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
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
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
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
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
Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
๐ป Technology Skills
Industrial control software
Object or component oriented development software
Inventory management software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Production and Processing
Mechanical
Engineering and Technology
Education and Training
Administration and Management
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 | 67% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 57% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 76% |