Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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 (2024–2034), with about 272 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, AI could touch less of this one than most. 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 AI can and can’t help with in this job
Compared with other New York jobs, AI could touch less of this one than most. 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 15% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
Examine samples to verify qualities such as clarity, cleanliness, consistency, dryness, or texture.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Communicate processing instructions to other workers.
AI could do much of this on its own
Maintain logs of instrument readings, test results, or shift production for entry in computer databases.
AI could do much of this on its own
Tasks AI can't do much of
Dump, pour, or load specified amounts of refined or unrefined materials into equipment or containers for further processing or storage.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Operate machines to process materials in compliance with applicable safety, energy, or environmental regulations.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Monitor material flow or instruments, such as temperature or pressure gauges, indicators, or meters, to ensure optimal processing conditions.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Turn valves or move controls to admit, drain, separate, filter, clarify, mix, or transfer materials.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Set up or adjust machine controls to regulate conditions such as material flow, temperature, or pressure.
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.
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Very similar work+4% pay72 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 4% more—$59,412 vs your $57,270 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
- Reaction Time
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Production and Processing
New skills to build
- Operation and Control
- Administration and Management
Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
Similar work+19% pay60 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 19% more—$67,952 vs your $57,270 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
- Operations Monitoring
- Mechanical
- Near Vision
- Reaction Time
New skills to build
- Administration and Management
- Control Precision
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Very similar workslightly less pay313 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$54,380 vs your $57,270 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
- Operations Monitoring
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Reaction Time
Your current skills largely cover this move.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
Similar work+14% pay2,871 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 14% more—$65,449 vs your $57,270 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Operations Monitoring
- Near Vision
- Mechanical
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Public Safety and Security
- Biology
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- Law and Government
Power Plant Operators
Somewhat similar work+91% pay6,702 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 91% more—$109,433 vs your $57,270 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus long-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Near Vision
- Operations Monitoring
- Perceptual Speed
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
New skills to build
- Design
- Engineering and Technology
- Public Safety and Security
- Building and Construction
- Physics