Machinists
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 813 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 about a quarter 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 28% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.
AI could do much of this on its own
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.
AI could do much of this on its own
Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.
AI could do much of this on its own
Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
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.
Tool and Die Makers
Very similar work+12% pay189 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 12% more—$69,633 vs your $62,314 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
- Control Precision
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Visualization
- Finger Dexterity
New skills to build
- Operations Analysis
Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters
Similar workslightly less pay112 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays slightly less—$56,333 vs your $62,314 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
- Visualization
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Similar workslightly less pay35 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$57,855 vs your $62,314 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
- Mathematics
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Manual Dexterity
New skills to build
- Computers and Electronics
- Administration and Management
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Somewhat similar work+15% pay4,530 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 15% more—$71,717 vs your $62,314 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
- Control Precision
- Finger Dexterity
- Mechanical
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Visualization
New skills to build
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Hearing Sensitivity
- Operations Monitoring
Millwrights
Somewhat similar work+31% pay81 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 31% more—$81,814 vs your $62,314 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus apprenticeship.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Finger Dexterity
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Building and Construction
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
- Physics
- Administration and Management