Rankings β Will AI Replaceβ¦
Will AI Replace Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
π‘ Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have a composite risk score of 71/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 84%, GenAI exposure: 34/100). With 18,970 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 18,970 workers and a median wage of $49K,lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic represent a significant portion of the US workforce. Their GenAI exposure index is 34%, meaning a minority of their core tasks overlap with current generative AI capabilities.
Risk Score
71/100
Employment
18,970
Median Wage
$49K
GenAI Exposure
34%
β οΈ Top Risk Factors
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Automated CNC programming and machine operation
AI quality inspection via computer vision systems
π‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace
Coordinating workflow across diverse production teams
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
π Career Transition Paths
Related occupations with lower AI risk and high skills overlap:
Engineers
67% skills overlap Β· $106K median wage
First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
57% skills overlap Β· $62K median wage
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
76% skills overlap Β· $68K median wage
β Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI completely replace lathe and turning machine tool 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 lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic have a composite AI automation risk score of 71 out of 100, classified as "High Risk".
How many lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic are there in the US?
There are approximately 18,970 lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic employed in the United States.
What do lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn?
The median annual wage for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $49K.
What skills should lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic develop?
Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: coordinating workflow across diverse production teams, setup and calibration of custom production runs, handling non-standard materials and configurations. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.