Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4081
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $46,060 and -0.5% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 131,000 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 29% AI exposure, Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic sits 8 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 26% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, 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.
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic has ai exposure of 29%. 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.
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, 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
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4081) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, 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 131,000 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -0.5% change through 2034 - a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $46,060, 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 Multiple 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. Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
- 2. Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
- 3. Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
- 4. Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
- 5. Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
- 6. Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
- 7. Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
- 8. Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
- 9. Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
- 10. Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Equipment Maintenance
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge Areas
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- English Language
- Design
- Education and Training
- Customer and Personal Service
- Engineering and Technology
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic has an AI exposure score of 29%, 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 Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to decline by 0.5% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 131,000 workers.
What skills are needed for Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Key skills for Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn?
The median annual wage for Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $46,060, 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 Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
The typical entry-level education for Multiple 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 Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Multiple 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.
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).