Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
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 116 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 12% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Examine raw woodstock for defects and to ensure conformity to size and other specification standards.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Determine product specifications and materials, work methods, and machine setup requirements, according to blueprints, oral or written instructions, drawings, or work orders.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Set up, program, or control computer-aided design (CAD) or computer numerical control (CNC) machines.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Set up, program, operate, or tend computerized or manual woodworking machines, such as drill presses, lathes, shapers, routers, sanders, planers, or wood-nailing machines.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Examine finished workpieces for smoothness, shape, angle, depth-of-cut, or conformity to specifications and verify dimensions, visually and using hands, rules, calipers, templates, or gauges.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Start machines, adjust controls, and make trial cuts to ensure that machinery is operating properly.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Monitor operation of machines and make adjustments to correct problems and ensure conformance to specifications.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Adjust machine tables or cutting devices and set controls on machines to produce specified cuts or operations.
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.
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
Very similar workslightly less pay108 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$43,215 vs your $44,721 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
- Mechanical
- Reaction Time
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar work+14% pay360 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 14% more—$51,031 vs your $44,721 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
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Mechanical
- Visualization
New skills to build
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Design
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Very similar work+7% pay236 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 7% more—$48,003 vs your $44,721 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.
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Very similar work+14% pay191 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 14% more—$50,811 vs your $44,721 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
- Reaction Time
- Visualization
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Very similar work+21% pay195 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 21% more—$54,006 vs your $44,721 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
- Near Vision
- Control Precision
- Operation and Control
New skills to build
- Customer and Personal Service
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Similar work+8% pay31 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 8% more—$48,321 vs your $44,721 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
- Mechanical
- Manual Dexterity
- Operations Monitoring
New skills to build
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Somewhat similar work+13% pay132 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 13% more—$50,412 vs your $44,721 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
- Reaction Time
- Operations Monitoring
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Manual Dexterity
New skills to build
- Administration and Management
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Somewhat similar work+33% pay72 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 33% more—$59,412 vs your $44,721 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
- Reaction Time
- Operations Monitoring
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Operation and Control
New skills to build
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Administrative
- Public Safety and Security
- Systems Analysis
Machine Feeders and Offbearers
Somewhat similar workslightly less pay94 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$44,400 vs your $44,721 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Control Precision
- Operations Monitoring
- Reaction Time
- Mechanical
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
New skills to build
- Administrative