Multiple 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 360 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 about a quarter 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 14% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
AI could do much of this on its own
Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic 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.
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 $51,031 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
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Reaction Time
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/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$50,412 vs your $51,031 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
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Very similar workslightly less pay191 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$50,811 vs your $51,031 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
- Manual Dexterity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Depth Perception
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Similar workslightly less pay31 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$48,321 vs your $51,031 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
- Near Vision
- Production and Processing
- Control Precision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Similar workslightly less pay139 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$50,043 vs your $51,031 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
- Operations Monitoring
- Manual Dexterity
- Quality Control Analysis
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Somewhat similar work+6% pay195 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 6% more—$54,006 vs your $51,031 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
- Operations Monitoring
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
Your current skills largely cover this move.