SOC 51-9021
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Risk Score
⚠️68/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥28,550
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$47K
$35K – $66K
Projected Growth
📈-2.5%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖53/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders face a risk score of 68/100 — 24 points above the national average of 44. With 53/100 GenAI exposure, this occupation faces significant pressure from AI tools despite weak projected growth. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $47K ($580 above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 68/100, Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders 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 28,550 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
📊 vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
🔄 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 | 70% |