Machine feeders and offbearers
SOC Code: 53-7063
Machine feeders and offbearers carries a 33% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $39,700 and -13.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 46,500 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
Machine feeders and offbearers (SOC 53-7063) carries an AI exposure score of 33%, 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 46,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -13.0% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $39,700, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires No formal educational credential, 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 Machine feeders and offbearers. 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. Inspect materials and products for defects, and to ensure conformance to specifications.
- 2. Record production and operational data, such as amount of materials processed.
- 3. Push dual control buttons and move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment.
- 4. Weigh or measure materials or products to ensure conformance to specifications.
- 5. Identify and mark materials, products, and samples, following instructions.
- 6. Clean and maintain machinery, equipment, and work areas to ensure proper functioning and safe working conditions.
- 7. Load materials and products into machines and equipment, or onto conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
- 8. Remove materials and products from machines and equipment, and place them in boxes, trucks or conveyors, using hand tools and moving devices.
- 9. Transfer materials and products to and from machinery and equipment, using industrial trucks or hand trucks.
- 10. Shovel or scoop materials into containers, machines, or equipment for processing, storage, or transport.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Troubleshooting
- Quality Control Analysis
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
- Administrative
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Personnel and Human Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Machine feeders and offbearers?
Machine feeders and offbearers has an AI exposure score of 33%, 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 Machine feeders and offbearers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Machine feeders and offbearers is projected to decline by 13.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 46,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Machine feeders and offbearers?
Key skills for Machine feeders and offbearers include Operations Monitoring, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, and others. Typical entry-level education is No formal educational credential.
How much do Machine feeders and offbearers earn?
The median annual wage for Machine feeders and offbearers is $39,700, 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 Machine feeders and offbearers?
The typical entry-level education for Machine feeders and offbearers is No formal educational credential. 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 Machine feeders and offbearers?
Machine feeders and offbearers 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
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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).