SOC 51-4194
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ65/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ5,730
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$49K
$34K โ $74K
Projected Growth
๐-7.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค24/100
Low exposure
๐ก Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners face a risk score of 65/100 โ 21 points above the national average of 44. With only 24/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $49K ($3K 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 65/100, Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 5,730 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in handling non-standard materials and configurations and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners?
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
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
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
Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.
๐ป Technology Skills
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Electronic mail software
Spreadsheet software
Computer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM system
Data base user interface and query software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Mathematics
English Language
Production and Processing
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 | 55% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 65% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 79% |