Headline risk
13%
Low RiskComputer numerically controlled tool operators
United States AI Work Index tracks this occupation on the shared structural baseline and then layers on local demand resilience, wages, and confidence.
Why This Score
Share of job tasks that overlap with current AI capabilities
Median annual wage
Projected employment change over 10 years
Typical preparation needed for this occupation
Occupation profile
Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials. May also set up and maintain equipment.
Task evidence
100% weighted task match · 2% effective coverage
Scores combine AI task overlap, human advantages, and local demand. How it works
United States Now
Median Wage
USD 49,970
Employment 2024
177.1K
Projected Change (2024–34)
-10.7%
Openings (2024–34)
13.5K
Wage distribution
Demand outlook
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, decline.
Role Profile
Tasks
- 1. Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures. AI use: 0%
- 2. Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces. AI use: 0%
- 3. Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments. AI use: 0%
- 4. Stop machines to remove finished workpieces or to change tooling, setup, or workpiece placement, according to required machining sequences. AI use: 0%
- 5. Listen to machines during operation to detect sounds such as those made by dull cutting tools or excessive vibration, and adjust machines to compensate for problems. AI use: 0%
- 6. Remove and replace dull cutting tools. AI use: 0%
Technologies
Requirements
Work context
Worker profile
Median age 41.2 · 77K employed
Under 25: 9% · 25–54: 66% · 55+: 25%
Related
No direct US role match is available yet for this occupation.
Source coverage
11/11 source families · O*NET 30.2 / OEWS 2024 / ORS 2025 / OOH 2025-08-28 / Projections 2024-34 / CPS 2025 / Anthropic task penetration
Mapping quality
major_group_fallback · employment series present
Narrative & sources
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
Metal and plastic machine workers are employed mainly in factories. Workers must adhere to safety standards to protect themselves from workplace hazards. Most work full time, which for some includes evenings and weekends.
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary training.
The median annual wage for metal and plastic machine workers was $46,800 in May 2024.
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, decline.
Published limitations
This page shows the local country layer, not realised individual job outcomes. The global structural baseline is shared across countries; only the local demand and wage layer changes here.
Built from O*NET occupation descriptions, task statements, technology skills, work context, Job Zones, Anthropic task penetration, BLS OEWS wages, BLS projection tables, BLS ORS requirements, BLS OOH narrative content, BLS skills data, and BLS CPS occupation age tables.