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Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

The short answer

This job is less likely to change much. Most of the work is the kind AI can't help with. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to shrink over the next decade, with about 39 openings expected each year.

Step 1

Where your job stands

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth for how much AI could touch it. Most of what it involves isn't the kind of work AI can take over.

How much AI could touch this job

Less exposedband 2 of 5
least exposedmost exposed

Looking at the job itself, AI could help with a small part of this job's tasks.

What this means

Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the second least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.

Step 2

What AI can and can’t help with in this job

This job is in the second least exposed fifth of New York jobs for AI exposure. The tasks below show why: most of what it involves is work AI can't simply take over.

AI can help with or automate about 21% of the tasks in this job.

Tasks AI can help with or automate

  1. Examine, inspect, and measure raw materials and finished products to verify conformance to specifications.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  2. Read rolling orders, blueprints, and mill schedules to determine setup specifications, work sequences, product dimensions, and installation procedures.

    AI could help, but needs extra software

  3. Calculate draft space and roll speed for each mill stand to plan rolling sequences and specified dimensions and tempers.

    AI could do much of this on its own

  4. Record mill production on schedule sheets.

    AI could do much of this on its own

Tasks AI can't do much of

  1. Monitor machine cycles and mill operation to detect jamming and to ensure that products conform to specifications.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  2. Adjust and correct machine set-ups to reduce thicknesses, reshape products, and eliminate product defects.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  3. Start operation of rolling and milling machines to flatten, temper, form, and reduce sheet metal sections and to produce steel strips.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  4. Thread or feed sheets or rods through rolling mechanisms, or start and control mechanisms that automatically feed steel into rollers.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

  5. Manipulate controls and observe dial indicators to monitor, adjust, and regulate speeds of machine mechanisms.

    AI is unlikely to speed this up

Step 3

Jobs you could switch to

If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.

See related jobs in

The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.

  • Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

    Similar work
    slightly less pay35 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays slightly less—$57,855 vs your $62,279 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Operations Monitoring
    • Production and Processing
    • Control Precision
    • Near Vision

    New skills to build

    • Design
    • Mathematics
    • Computers and Electronics
  • Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

    Somewhat similar work
    slightly less pay72 openings/yrLess exposed than your job now

    Pays slightly less—$59,412 vs your $62,279 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.

    Skills you already have

    • Operations Monitoring
    • Operation and Control
    • Control Precision
    • Reaction Time
    • Near Vision

    New skills to build

    • Administrative
  • Industrial Machinery Mechanics

    Somewhat similar work
    +15% pay4,530 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job now

    Pays about 15% more—$71,717 vs your $62,279 here.

    What the move takes

    Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.

    Getting ready typically takes one to two years.

    Skills you already have

    • Mechanical
    • Operations Monitoring
    • Operation and Control
    • Control Precision
    • Reaction Time

    New skills to build

    • Equipment Maintenance
    • Design
    • Repairing
    • Troubleshooting
    • Engineering and Technology