π‘ Machinists have a composite risk score of 51/100 (Frey-Osborne probability: 65%, GenAI exposure: 44/100). With 298,790 workers in the US, this occupation faces moderate but manageable AI pressure. Full occupation profile β
π― The Verdict
Possible. Significant task automation is underway β workers should actively upskill.
With 298,790 workers and a median wage of $56K,machinists 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
51/100
Employment
298,790
Median Wage
$56K
GenAI Exposure
44%
β οΈ Top Risk Factors
Cobots handling repetitive material handling tasks
Smart factory scheduling and production optimization
Predictive maintenance reducing manual inspection roles
Industrial robotics replacing manual assembly tasks
π‘οΈ Tasks AI Can't Easily Replace
Handling non-standard materials and configurations
Troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions
Quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection
Setup and calibration of custom production runs
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
81% skills overlap Β· $68K median wage
β Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI completely replace machinists?
Possible. Significant task automation is underway β workers should actively upskill.
What is the AI risk score for machinists?
Machinists have a composite AI automation risk score of 51 out of 100, classified as "Elevated".
How many machinists are there in the US?
There are approximately 298,790 machinists employed in the United States.
What do machinists earn?
The median annual wage for machinists is $56K.
What skills should machinists develop?
Focus on tasks AI can't easily replicate: handling non-standard materials and configurations, troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions, quality judgment requiring tactile and visual inspection, setup and calibration of custom production runs. These human-centric skills will become more valuable as routine tasks are automated.