SOC 51-4035
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ78/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ13,810
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$48K
$37K โ $75K
Projected Growth
๐-14.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค44/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 78/100 โ 34 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 $48K ($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 78/100, Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks and predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles. The 13,810 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Milling and Planing 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
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
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
Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided design CAD software
Industrial control software
Enterprise application integration software
Object or component oriented development software
Analytical or scientific software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Production and Processing
Mathematics
English Language
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 | 61% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 51% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 75% |