As of June 2026, Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic has an AI-exposure score of 46/100 (Moderate 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

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

46/100
Moderate exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 23% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$46,330. About 14,400 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 this role compares to similar Production roles

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (this role)
46
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46
Model Makers, Wood
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Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
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Helpers--Production Workers
47
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Data sources, not endorsements: O*NET task data, BLS employment/pay/demand, and Anthropic Economic Index signals.Methodology Data sources
Role snapshot

What this role usually involves

O*NET 29.1 exact occupation

Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

Common titles
Machine OperatorPress OperatorSaw OperatorSet-Up OperatorDie SetterFabrication Operator
Typical preparation
Some Preparation Needed: These occupations usually require a high school diploma. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Skills and knowledge
Operation and ControlMonitoringCritical ThinkingSpeakingMechanicalProduction and Processing
Tools and technology
Autodesk AutoCADMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft WordSAP software
Work context
Decision latitudeFace-to-face discussionsFrequent contact with othersConsequence of errorRepeating tasks

Source: O*NET 29.1 exact occupation - Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic, SOC 51-4031.00. Context describes the role; the AI-exposure score remains a separate task-exposure estimate.

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Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable

No automatable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (100%).

Augmentable
  • Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
  • Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
18 more augmentable tasks locked in the report.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (100%).

We analyzed all 20 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic tasks — 20 augmentable. The full task map — every task with exactly what to do about each — is in your Career Report.

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Every task scored with what to automate, augment, or protect.

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5-10 adjacent roles with salary, demand, and reachability.

30/60/90 plan + PDF

A keepable roadmap plus resume and LinkedIn repositioning.

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Safer adjacent roles

Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
80% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$46,570
53
7 more safer roles with salary, demand & a reachability map — in your Career Report.
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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.

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