SOC 51-4034
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
⚠️71/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥18,970
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$49K
$36K – $65K
Projected Growth
📈-13.6%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖34/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 71/100 — 27 points above the national average of 44. With only 34/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $49K ($2K 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 71/100, Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks and smart factory scheduling and production optimization. The 18,970 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and setup and calibration of custom production runs to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Lathe and Turning 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
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
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 | 67% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 57% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 76% |