SOC 51-4192
Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
⚠️57/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥5,610
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$62K
$40K – $93K
Projected Growth
📈-5.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖22/100
Low exposure
💡 Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 57/100 — 13 points above the national average of 44. With only 22/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $62K ($16K 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 57/100, Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 5,610 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
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 | 59% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 69% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 78% |