Layout workers, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4192
Layout workers, metal and plastic carries a 25% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $61,870 and -5.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 5,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 25% AI exposure, Layout workers, metal and plastic sits 12 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 15% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Layout workers, metal and plastic sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Layout workers, metal and plastic has ai exposure of 25%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Layout workers, metal and plastic vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Layout workers, metal and plastic is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Layout workers, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4192) carries an AI exposure score of 25%, 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 5,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -5.4% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $61,870, 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 Layout workers, 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. Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
- 2. Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
- 3. Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
- 4. Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
- 5. Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
- 6. Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
- 7. Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips.
- 8. Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
- 9. Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding.
- 10. Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.
Key Skills Required
- Mathematics
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Active Listening
- Speaking
Knowledge Areas
- Mathematics
- Design
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Building and Construction
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Layout workers, metal and plastic?
Layout workers, metal and plastic has an AI exposure score of 25%, 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 Layout workers, metal and plastic?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Layout workers, metal and plastic is projected to decline by 5.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 5,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Layout workers, metal and plastic?
Key skills for Layout workers, metal and plastic include Mathematics, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Layout workers, metal and plastic earn?
The median annual wage for Layout workers, metal and plastic is $61,870, 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 Layout workers, metal and plastic?
The typical entry-level education for Layout workers, 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 Layout workers, metal and plastic?
Layout workers, 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.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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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).