SOC 51-4199
Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other
Risk Score
⚠️61/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥20,270
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$43K
$34K – $63K
Projected Growth
📈-9.5%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖35/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other face a risk score of 61/100 — 17 points above 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 $43K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 61/100, Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 20,270 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in handling non-standard materials and configurations and troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other?
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
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
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 | 67% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 57% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 71% |