SOC 51-4031
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
⚠️70/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥174,430
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$46K
$35K – $63K
Projected Growth
📈-12.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖44/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 70/100 — 26 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 →
💡 Workers in this field earn $46K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 70/100, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include automated cnc programming and machine operation and predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles. The 174,430 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 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
📊 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 | 65% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 55% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 74% |