SOC 51-4032
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
⚠️79/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥5,310
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$47K
$35K – $65K
Projected Growth
📈-19.6%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖24/100
Low exposure
💡 Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 79/100 — 35 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 →
💡 Workers in this field earn $47K ($320 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 79/100, Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include automated cnc programming and machine operation and cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks. The 5,310 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection and troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Drilling and Boring Machine Tool 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
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
📊 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 | 63% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 53% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 77% |