SOC 51-4022
Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
⚠️75/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥8,760
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$49K
$35K – $70K
Projected Growth
📈-18.9%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖10/100
Low exposure
💡 Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 75/100 — 31 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 $49K ($3K 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 75/100, Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include smart factory scheduling and production optimization and cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks. The 8,760 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Forging 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
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
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 | 84% |