Somewhat Resilient
Last Update: 10/7/2026
AI Resilience Score for Machine Tool Operator:
41.1%
Median Score
Meaningful human contribution
Measures the parts of the occupation that still require a human touch. This score averages data from up to four AI exposure datasets, focusing on the role’s resilience against automation.
Med
Long-term employer demand
Predicts the health of the job market for this role through 2034. Using Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it balances projected annual job openings (60%) with overall employment growth (40%).
Med
Sustained economic opportunity
Measures future earning potential and career flexibility. This score is a blend of total projected labor income (67%) and the role’s inherent ability to adapt to economic and technological shifts (33%).
Low
This reflects the reliability of your score based on the number of data sources available for this career and how closely those sources agree on the outlook. A higher confidence means more consistent evidence from labor experts and AI models.
There are a reasonable number of sources for this result, but there is some disagreement between them.
AI Resilience Report forMultiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
$47,180 median salary•11,600 annual openings•SOC Code: 51-4081.00
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are somewhat less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 7 sources.
This career sits in the "Somewhat Resilient" category because AI is actively changing the day-to-day work, even if it is not replacing workers entirely. Tasks like writing shift reports, reading job orders, and spotting machine problems are increasingly being handled by AI tools, which means the routine paperwork and monitoring side of the job is shrinking.
Learn more about how you can thrive in this position
This role is somewhat resilient
This career sits in the "Somewhat Resilient" category because AI is actively changing the day-to-day work, even if it is not replacing workers entirely. Tasks like writing shift reports, reading job orders, and spotting machine problems are increasingly being handled by AI tools, which means the routine paperwork and monitoring side of the job is shrinking.
Read full analysisAnalysis of current AI resilience
Machine Tool Operator
Updated quarterly
How can Machine Tool Operator prepare for AI?
Latest AI news for Machine Tool Operator
These articles highlight the resilience of careers in multiple machine tool setting and operation in the face of advancing AI. For instance, one article emphasizes that while automation is evolving, the roles of machine tool setters and operators are not at immediate risk of replacement. Another piece suggests that while press machine operators may see some changes, senior positions remain secure. This indicates that students can pursue careers in this field with confidence, as their skills will still be essential in the manufacturing landscape.
Will AI Replace Metal & Plastics Processing Jobs?
jobzonerisk.com • 9/20/2026
See which metal & plastics processing roles are most at risk from AI. Evidence-based scores and practical recommendations for every assessed role.
Will AI Replace Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and ...
www.tagieff.ca • 9/20/2026
No, AI will not replace multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders in metal and plastic manufacturing. While automation is advancing rapidly with ... Read more
Multiple Machine Tool...Metal and Plastic AI Exposure: 58/100
aisafe.careers • 9/20/2026
Will AI replace Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic? No exposure score can predict whether AI will replace this role. Read more
Will AI Replace Press Machine Operators in 2026?
aicareerindex.com • 9/20/2026
Press Machine Operators show bimodal AI exposure in 2026. Senior roles stay durable, templated work substitutes. See the reading and plan.
More Career Info
Career: Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
They operate and adjust machines to shape metal and plastic parts, ensuring everything runs smoothly and meets quality standards.
Parent Careers
Employment & Wage Data
Median Wage
$47,180
Jobs (2025)
127,100
Growth (2025-35)
+0.6%
Annual Openings
11,600
Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience
None
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035
Task-Level AI Resilience Scores
AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years
1
Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
2
Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
3
Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
4
Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
5
Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
6
Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
7
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.
