Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4034
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic carries a 32% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $48,620 and -13.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 18,900 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
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4034) carries an AI exposure score of 32%, 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 18,900 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -13.6% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $48,620, 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 Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic. 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. Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
- 2. Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
- 3. Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
- 4. Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
- 5. Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
- 6. Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
- 7. Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- 8. Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
- 9. Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
- 10. Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
- Quality Control Analysis
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Speaking
- Time Management
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Administrative
- Personnel and Human Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic has an AI exposure score of 32%, 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 Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to decline by 13.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 18,900 workers.
What skills are needed for Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Key skills for Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much 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 $48,620, 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 Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
The typical entry-level education for Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic 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.
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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).