SOC 51-4194
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Risk Score
⚠️65/100
High Risk
US Employment
👥5,730
Total workers
Median Wage
💰$49K
$34K – $74K
Projected Growth
📈-7.8%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
🤖24/100
Low exposure
💡 Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners face a risk score of 65/100 — 21 points above the national average of 44. With only 24/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology →
💡 Workers in this field earn $49K ($3K 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 65/100, Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 5,730 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in handling non-standard materials and configurations and coordinating workflow across diverse production teams to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths →
⚠️ Top Risk Factors
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
🛡️ Tasks Safe from Automation
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
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 | 55% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors | 25 | $62K | 65% |
| Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 33 | $68K | 79% |