Helpers--production workers
SOC Code: 51-9198
Helpers--production workers carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $38,220 and -8.9% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 168,500 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Helpers--production workers (SOC 51-9198) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 168,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -8.9% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $38,220, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Helpers--production workers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances.
- 2. Count finished products to determine if product orders are complete.
- 3. Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators.
- 4. Place products in equipment or on work surfaces for further processing, inspecting, or wrapping.
- 5. Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards.
- 6. Measure amounts of products, lengths of extruded articles, or weights of filled containers to ensure conformance to specifications.
- 7. Separate products according to weight, grade, size, or composition of materials used to produce them.
- 8. Turn valves to regulate flow of liquids or air, to reverse machines, to start pumps, or to regulate equipment.
- 9. Mark or tag identification on parts.
- 10. Start machines or equipment to begin production processes.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Social Perceptiveness
- Coordination
- Operation and Control
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Transportation
- Customer and Personal Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Helpers--production workers?
Helpers--production workers has an AI exposure score of 29%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Helpers--production workers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Helpers--production workers is projected to decline by 8.9% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 168,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Helpers--production workers?
Key skills for Helpers--production workers include Active Listening, Monitoring, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Helpers--production workers earn?
The median annual wage for Helpers--production workers is $38,220, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Helpers--production workers?
The typical entry-level education for Helpers--production workers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Short-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Helpers--production workers?
Helpers--production workers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
Explore More on PlainWorkforce
Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).