Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool 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 132 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the 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
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 least exposed fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
This job is in the 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 11% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Compute machine indexings and settings for specified dimensions and base reference points.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
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.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar work+1% pay360 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 1% more—$51,031 vs your $50,412 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
- Control Precision
- Operations Monitoring
- Near Vision
- Production and Processing
- Quality Control Analysis
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Customer and Personal Service
- Education and Training
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar workslightly less pay236 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$48,003 vs your $50,412 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
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Reaction Time
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Similar workslightly less pay31 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$48,321 vs your $50,412 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Production and Processing
- Manual Dexterity
- Operations Monitoring
New skills to build
- Mechanical
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Similar work+18% pay72 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 18% more—$59,412 vs your $50,412 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
- Public Safety and Security
- Education and Training
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Similar work+1% pay191 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 1% more—$50,811 vs your $50,412 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
- Control Precision
- Operations Monitoring
- Near Vision
- Operation and Control
- Quality Control Analysis
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Somewhat similar work+7% pay195 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 7% more—$54,006 vs your $50,412 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
- Production and Processing
- Operations Monitoring
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service