SOC 51-4041
Machinists
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ51/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ298,790
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$56K
$38K โ $79K
Projected Growth
๐0%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค44/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Machinists face a risk score of 51/100 โ 7 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 $56K ($10K 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 51/100, Machinists faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 298,790 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in handling non-standard materials and configurations and troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Machinists?
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
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
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
Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided design CAD software
Analytical or scientific software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Industrial control software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mathematics
Mechanical
Production and Processing
Design
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 | 67% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 57% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 81% |