Machinists
SOC Code: 51-4041
Machinists carries a 30% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $56,150 and 0.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 299,500 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
Machinists (SOC 51-4041) carries an AI exposure score of 30%, 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 299,500 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a 0.0% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $56,150, 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 Machinists. 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. Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
- 2. Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
- 3. Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
- 4. Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
- 5. Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
- 6. Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
- 7. Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
- 8. Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
- 9. Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.
- 10. Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics.
Key Skills Required
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Quality Control Analysis
Knowledge Areas
- Mathematics
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Physics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Machinists?
Machinists has an AI exposure score of 30%, 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 Machinists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Machinists is projected to grow by 0.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 299,500 workers.
What skills are needed for Machinists?
Key skills for Machinists include Operation and Control, Critical Thinking, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Machinists earn?
The median annual wage for Machinists is $56,150, 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 Machinists?
The typical entry-level education for Machinists is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Long-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Machinists?
Machinists 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).