Milling and Planing 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 35 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 27% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Study blueprints, layouts, sketches, or work orders to assess workpiece specifications and to determine tooling instructions, tools and materials needed, and sequences of operations.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Compute dimensions, tolerances, and angles of workpieces or machines according to specifications and knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
AI could do much of this on its own
Select cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cuts, applying knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
AI could do much of this on its own
Record production output.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Remove workpieces from machines, and check to ensure that they conform to specifications, using measuring instruments such as microscopes, gauges, calipers, and micrometers.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Verify alignment of workpieces on machines, using measuring instruments such as rules, gauges, or calipers.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Move controls to set cutting specifications, to position cutting tools and workpieces in relation to each other, and to start machines.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Observe milling or planing machine operation, and adjust controls to ensure conformance with specified tolerances.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Select and install cutting tools and other accessories according to specifications, using hand tools or power tools.
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.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Similar workslightly less pay58 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$53,272 vs your $57,855 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
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Operations Monitoring
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Administration and Management
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Similar work+8% pay39 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 8% more—$62,279 vs your $57,855 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
- Rate Control
- Speed of Limb Movement
- Quality Control Analysis
Machinists
Somewhat similar work+8% pay813 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 8% more—$62,314 vs your $57,855 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
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Manual Dexterity
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Tool and Die Makers
Somewhat similar work+20% pay189 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 20% more—$69,633 vs your $57,855 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
- Technology Design
- Operations Analysis
- Category Flexibility
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay320 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$54,556 vs your $57,855 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
- Mathematics
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Hearing Sensitivity
- Depth Perception
- Speed of Closure
- Operation and Control
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Somewhat similar work+24% pay4,530 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 24% more—$71,717 vs your $57,855 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
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Manual Dexterity
New skills to build
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Hearing Sensitivity
- Installation