SOC 51-4035
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score
⚠️78/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥13,810
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$48K
$37K – $75K
Projected Growth
📈-14.4%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖44/100
Moderate exposure
💡 Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic face a risk score of 78/100 — 34 points above the national average of 44. With only 44/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $48K ($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 78/100, Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic faces significant automation pressure. Key threats include industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks and predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles. The 13,810 Americans in this role should actively develop skills in troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions and quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection to remain competitive. Workers who proactively adapt will find new opportunities even as traditional tasks are automated.
Will AI Replace Milling and Planing Machine 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
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
📊 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 | 61% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 51% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 75% |