Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4035
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic carries a 39% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $48,310 and -14.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 13,800 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
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4035) carries an AI exposure score of 39%, 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 13,800 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -14.4% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $48,310, 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 Milling and planing machine 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. Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
- 2. Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
- 3. Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
- 4. Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
- 5. Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
- 6. Position and secure workpieces on machines, using holding devices, measuring instruments, hand tools, and hoists.
- 7. Replace worn tools, using hand tools, and sharpen dull tools, using bench grinders.
- 8. Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.
- 9. Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- 10. Move cutters or material manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to mill workpieces to specifications.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Quality Control Analysis
- Coordination
- Complex Problem Solving
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Administration and Management
- Public Safety and Security
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic has an AI exposure score of 39%, 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 Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to decline by 14.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 13,800 workers.
What skills are needed for Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Key skills for Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Critical Thinking, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn?
The median annual wage for Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $48,310, 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 Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
The typical entry-level education for Milling and planing machine 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 Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Milling and planing machine 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).