SOC 51-9022
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Risk Score
⚠️86/100
Very High Risk
US Employment
👥11,850
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$42K
$32K – $57K
Projected Growth
📈-21.2%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖53/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand face a risk score of 86/100 — 42 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 $42K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 86/100, Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include ai quality inspection via computer vision systems and industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks. The 11,850 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams 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 Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
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 | 57% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 67% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 76% |