SOC 51-4000
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers
Risk Score
⚠️39/100
Moderate
US Employment
👥1,599,780
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$49K
$36K – $74K
Projected Growth
📈-3.5%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖35/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Metal Workers and Plastic Workers face a risk score of 39/100 — 5 points below the national average of 44. With only 35/100 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 39/100, Metal Workers and Plastic Workers faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like automated cnc programming and machine operation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 1,599,780 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in setup and calibration of custom production runs and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Metal Workers and Plastic Workers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
📊 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% |