SOC 51-6041
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers
Risk Score
⚠️45/100
Elevated
US Employment
👥7,640
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$36K
$25K – $48K
Projected Growth
📈-3.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖10/100
Low exposure
💡 Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers face a risk score of 45/100 — 1 points above the national average of 44. With only 10/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $36K. The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths →
🔍 AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 45/100, Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers 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 7,640 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in coordinating workflow across diverse production teams and setup and calibration of custom production runs to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
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
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
📊 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 | 55% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 65% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 84% |