Rankings β Will AI Replaceβ¦
Will AI Replace Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
π‘ Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have a composite risk score of 70/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 78%, GenAI exposure: 44/100). With 174,430 workers in the US, this is one of the most AI-vulnerable occupations. Full occupation profile β
π― The Verdict
Likely for many tasks. The role will look very different in 5β10 years.
With 174,430 workers and a median wage of $46K,cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 44%, meaning a minority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.
Risk Score
70/100
Employment
174,430
Median Wage
$46K
GenAI Exposure
44%
β οΈ Top Risk Factors
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
π‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
π Career Transition Paths
Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:
Engineers
65% skills overlap Β· $106K median wage
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
55% skills overlap Β· $62K median wage
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
74% skills overlap Β· $68K median wage
β Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI completely replace cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Likely for many tasks. The role will look very different in 5β10 years.
What is the AI risk score for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have a composite AI automation risk score of 70 out of 100, classified as "High Risk".
How many cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic are there in the US?
There are approximately 174,430 cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic employed in the United States.
What do cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn?
The median annual wage for cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $46K.
What skills should cutting, punching, and press machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic develop?
Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions, quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection, handling non-standard materials and configurations. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.