SOC 51-7042
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ63/100
High Risk
US Employment
๐ฅ63,350
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$40K
$31K โ $54K
Projected Growth
๐-1.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค36/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing face a risk score of 63/100 โ 19 points above the national average of 44. With only 36/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $40K. 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 63/100, Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like smart factory scheduling and production optimization are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 63,350 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 Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
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
Set up, program, operate, or tend computerized or manual woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, or wood-nailing machines.
Examine finished workpieces for smoothness, shape, angle, depth-of-cut, or conformity to specifications and verify dimensions, visually and using hands, rules, calipers, templates, or gauges.
Start machines, adjust controls, and make trial cuts to ensure that machinery is operating properly.
Monitor operation of machines and make adjustments to correct problems and ensure conformance to specifications.
Examine raw woodstock for defects and to ensure conformity to size and other specification standards.
๐ป Technology Skills
Document management software
Graphics or photo imaging software
Desktop publishing software
Operating system software
Data base user interface and query software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Production and Processing
Mathematics
Public Safety and Security
Building and Construction
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 | 51% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 61% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 75% |