Lathe and Turning 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 50 openings expected each year.
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
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.
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 19% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
AI could do much of this on its own
Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
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.
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar work+11% pay35 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 11% more—$57,855 vs your $51,917 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
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar workslightly less pay360 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$51,031 vs your $51,917 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
- Production and Processing
- Mathematics
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Operations Monitoring
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar workslightly less pay236 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$48,003 vs your $51,917 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
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar workslightly less pay132 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$50,412 vs your $51,917 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
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- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Operations Monitoring
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Machinists
Very similar work+20% pay813 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 20% more—$62,314 vs your $51,917 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
- Mathematics
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar work+20% pay39 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 20% more—$62,279 vs your $51,917 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
- Production and Processing
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Speed of Limb Movement
- Response Orientation
- Operations Monitoring
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- Reaction Time
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Similar workslightly less pay191 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$50,811 vs your $51,917 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
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Production and Processing
- Near Vision
- Operations Monitoring
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Tool and Die Makers
Similar work+34% pay189 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 34% more—$69,633 vs your $51,917 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a postsecondary nondegree award, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Operations Analysis
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Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Similar work+5% pay320 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 5% more—$54,556 vs your $51,917 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
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Hearing Sensitivity
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Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Similar work+3% pay58 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 3% more—$53,272 vs your $51,917 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
- Administration and Management
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Operations Monitoring
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay31 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$48,321 vs your $51,917 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
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers
Somewhat similar work+3% pay55 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 3% more—$53,479 vs your $51,917 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
- Production and Processing
- Administration and Management
- Mathematics
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- English Language
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Somewhat similar work+38% pay4,530 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 38% more—$71,717 vs your $51,917 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
- Engineering and Technology
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Near Vision
New skills to build
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Hearing Sensitivity
- Equipment Maintenance
- Installation