SOC 51-4021
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
⚠️55/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥65,700
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$47K
$35K – $62K
Projected Growth
📈+1.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖10/100
Low exposure
💡 Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 55/100 — 11 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $47K ($670 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 55/100, Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 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 65,700 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Extruding and Drawing 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
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
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 | 55% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 65% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 74% |