Machinists
Production Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 51-4041.00
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Moderate· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.000
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.18
0.09Range of values carried here0.70Group-level value
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
Task-level exposure
Show 26 hidden tasks29 rated tasks · 8 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (27.6%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % |
|---|---|
Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.51-4041.00 | 0.028182.8 |
Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.51-4041.00 | 0.004011.8 |
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.51-4041.00 | 0.00185.4 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.O*NET Task ID 3110 | 1.0 |
Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.O*NET Task ID 3112 | 1.0 |
Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.O*NET Task ID 3116 | 1.0 |
Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.O*NET Task ID 20297 | 1.0 |
Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.O*NET Task ID 3101 | 0.5 |
Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.O*NET Task ID 3119 | 0.5 |
Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.O*NET Task ID 3120 | 0.5 |
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.O*NET Task ID 20295 | 0.5 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (29)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders. | Core |
| Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers. | Core |
| Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines. | Core |
| Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process. | Core |
| Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts. | Core |
| Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled. | Core |
| Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency. | Core |
| Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools. | Core |
| Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information. | Core |
| Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications. | Core |
| Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools. | Core |
| Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs. | Core |
| Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations. | Core |
| Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal. | Core |
| Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers. | Core |
| Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations. | Core |
| Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition. | Core |
| Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products. | Core |
| Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs. | Core |
| Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability. | Core |
| Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment. | Supplemental |
| Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products. | Supplemental |
| Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed. | Supplemental |
| Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines. | Supplemental |
| Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics. | Supplemental |
| Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance. | Supplemental |
| Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms. | Supplemental |
| Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment. | Supplemental |
| Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design. | Supplemental |
0.83/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process. | E2 structured facilities |
| Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs. | E0 none |
| Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed. | E0 none |
| Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design. | E0 none |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 288K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 291K
- Change (2025–35)
- +1%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $58,750
- Typical education needed for entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85101 | 선반기 조작원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 85102 | 밀링기 조작원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
| 85107 | 머시닝센터 조작원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 7223Metal Working Machine Tool Setters and Operators
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- computer numerical control machine operatorESCO 7223.4This occupation is broader
Computer numerical control machine operators set-up, maintain and control a computer numerical control machine in order to execute the product orders. They are responsible for programming the machines, ensuring the required parameters and measurements are met while maintaining the quality and safety standards.
- fitter and turnerESCO 7223.7This occupation is broader
Fitters and turners use machine tools to create and modify metal parts according to set specifications in order to fit components for machinery. They ensure the finished components are ready for assembly.
- gear machinistESCO 7223.8This occupation is broader
Gear machinists make precision parts for gears and other driving elements. They use a variety of machine tools.
- lathe and turning machine operatorESCO 7223.4.4This occupation is broader
Lathe and turning machine operators set up, program and tend lathe and turning machines designed to cut excess metal from a metal workpiece using a hardened cutting tool moved by computer-controlled motors. They read lathe and turning machine blueprints and tooling instructions, perform regular machine maintenance, and make adjustments to the lathe controls, such as the depth of cuts and the rotation speed.
- metal planer operatorESCO 7223.12This occupation is broader
Metal planer operators set up and operate a planer, which is a metalworking machine designed to cut excess material from a metal workpiece using linear relative motion between the planer's cutting tool and the workpiece in order to create a linear toolpath and cut.
- milling machine operatorESCO 7223.4.6This occupation is broader
Milling machine operators set up, program and control milling machines, designed to cut excess material from metal workpieces using a computer-controlled rotary-cutting, milling cutter. They read milling machine blueprints and tooling instructions, perform regular machine maintenance, and make adjustments to the milling controls, such as the depth of cuts or the rotation speed.
- screw machine operatorESCO 7223.19This occupation is broader
Screw machine operators set up and tend mechanical screw machines designed to manufacture (threaded) screws out of processed metal workpieces, specifically small- to medium-sized ones that have been turned by a lathe and turn machine.
- tool and die makerESCO 7222.5This occupation is broader
Tool and die makers operate a variety of equipment and machinery designed to create metal tools and dies, which are both needed in several areas of manufacturing, and produce these tools in all steps of the production process. They design the tools and dies, then cut and shape them to size and finish them by manually operated machine tools, power tools, hand tools, or programming and tending CNC tool and die making machines.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| H2903 | Usineur / Usineuse | This occupation is narrower |
| H2516 | Technicien / Technicienne de production du travail des métaux | This occupation is broader |
| H2901 | Ajusteur-monteur / Ajusteuse-monteuse | Related, not a match |
| H2925 | Armurier / Armurière de fabrication | Related, not a match |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 7322 | Trabajadores de la fabricación de herramientas, mecánico-ajustadores, modelistas, matriceros y afines | Overlapping, not the same |
| 7323 | Ajustadores y operadores de máquinas-herramienta | Overlapping, not the same |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 24232 | Berufe in der spanenden Metallbearbeitung - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is narrower |
| 24512 | Berufe in der Feinwerktechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Related, not a match |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 523 | 金属工作機械作業従事者 | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
| 541 | はん用・生産用・業務用機械器具組立従事者 | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| 551 | はん用・生産用・業務用機械器具整備・修理従事者 | Related, not a matchprovisional |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources