SOC 51-4033
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
⚠️69/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥70,110
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$45K
$35K – $62K
Projected Growth
📈-12%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖10/100
Low exposure
💡 Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 69/100 — 25 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 $45K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 69/100, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool 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 70,110 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing 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
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
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 | 63% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 53% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 72% |