As of June 2026, Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic has an AI-exposure score of 58/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

58/100
Elevated exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 60% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$47,180. About 12,800 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How you compare to similar Production roles

Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (you)
58
Power Plant Operators
57
Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders
57
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
57
Gem and Diamond Workers
57
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
57
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable
  • Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.
  • Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.
Augmentable
  • Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.
  • Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.
  • Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.
  • Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.
  • Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.
  • Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.
  • Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.
  • Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.
  • Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.
  • Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.
  • Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.
  • Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.
  • Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.
  • Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.
  • Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.
  • Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.
  • Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.
  • Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (90%).

Safer adjacent roles

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
80% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$50,620
48
Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
72% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$52,800
50
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
56% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$46,330
46
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
48% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$50,060
43
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$43,380
41
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$46,570
53
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$64,520
49

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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.