SOC 51-9195
Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ59/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ34,750
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$46K
$35K โ $61K
Projected Growth
๐+6.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค38/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 59/100 โ 15 points above the national average of 44. With only 38/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $46K. 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 59/100, Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like ai quality inspection via computer vision systems are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 34,750 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic?
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
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
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
Read work orders or examine parts to determine parts or sections of products to be produced.
Trim or remove excess material, using scrapers, knives, or band saws.
Verify depths and dimensions of cuts or carvings to ensure adherence to specifications, blueprints, or models, using measuring instruments.
Move fingers over surfaces of carvings to ensure smoothness of finish.
Shape, trim, or touch up roughed-out designs with appropriate tools to finish carvings.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided design CAD software
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Inventory management software
Spreadsheet software
Office suite software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Fine Arts
Production and Processing
Design
Mathematics
Customer and Personal Service
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 | 63% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 53% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 82% |