Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Production Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 51-4081.00
Set up, operate, or tend more than one type of cutting or forming machine tool or robot.
- 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
Exposed tasks only21 rated tasks · 3 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (14.3%)
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 % | APIRaw / share % |
|---|---|---|
Compute data such as gear dimensions and machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.51-4081.00 | 0.0095100.0 | 0.006075.9 |
Record operational data such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, and speeds. | —0 | 0.001924.1 |
| Not observed on any surface — 18 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states. | ||
Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments. | —0 | —0 |
Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary. | —0 | —0 |
Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences. | —0 | —0 |
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, and auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces. | —0 | —0 |
Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists. | —0 | —0 |
Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools. | —0 | —0 |
Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools and brushes, using hand tools. | —0 | —0 |
Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required. | —0 | —0 |
Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms. | —0 | —0 |
Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs. | —0 | —0 |
Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation. | —0 | —0 |
Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars. | —0 | —0 |
Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates. | —0 | —0 |
Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles. | —0 | —0 |
Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules. | —0 | —0 |
Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow. | —0 | —0 |
Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools. | —0 | —0 |
Align layout marks with dies or blades. | —0 | —0 |
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 |
|---|---|
Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics.O*NET Task ID 10223 | 1.0 |
Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials.O*NET Task ID 23937 | 1.0 |
Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences.O*NET Task ID 10208 | 0.5 |
Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments.O*NET Task ID 10206 | 0.0 |
Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary.O*NET Task ID 10207 | 0.0 |
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces.O*NET Task ID 10209 | 0.0 |
Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists.O*NET Task ID 10210 | 0.0 |
Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools.O*NET Task ID 10211 | 0.0 |
Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools.O*NET Task ID 10212 | 0.0 |
Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required.O*NET Task ID 10213 | 0.0 |
Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms.O*NET Task ID 10214 | 0.0 |
Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs.O*NET Task ID 10215 | 0.0 |
Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow.O*NET Task ID 10216 | 0.0 |
Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools.O*NET Task ID 10217 | 0.0 |
Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation.O*NET Task ID 10218 | 0.0 |
Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds.O*NET Task ID 10219 | 0.0 |
Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars.O*NET Task ID 10220 | 0.0 |
Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates.O*NET Task ID 10221 | 0.0 |
Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles.O*NET Task ID 10222 | 0.0 |
Align layout marks with dies or blades.O*NET Task ID 10224 | 0.0 |
Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules.O*NET Task ID 10225 | 0.0 |
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 (21)
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 |
|---|---|
| Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments. | Core |
| Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary. | Core |
| Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences. | Core |
| Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces. | Core |
| Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists. | Core |
| Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools. | Core |
| Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools. | Core |
| Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required. | Core |
| Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms. | Core |
| Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs. | Core |
| Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow. | Core |
| Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools. | Core |
| Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation. | Core |
| Record operational data, such as pressure readings, lengths of strokes, feed rates, or speeds. | Core |
| Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars. | Core |
| Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates. | Core |
| Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles. | Core |
| Compute data, such as gear dimensions or machine settings, applying knowledge of shop mathematics. | Core |
| Align layout marks with dies or blades. | Supplemental |
| Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules. | Supplemental |
| Write programs for computer numerical control (CNC) machines to cut metal and plastic materials. | Supplemental |
1.00/ 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 |
|---|---|
| Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary. | E2 structured facilities |
| Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required. | E0 none |
| Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Perform minor machine maintenance, such as oiling or cleaning machines, dies, or workpieces, or adding coolant to machine reservoirs. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow. | E2 structured facilities |
| Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars. | E0 none |
| Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Align layout marks with dies or blades. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 127K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 128K
- Change (2025–35)
- +0.6%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $47,180
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85107 | 머시닝센터 조작원 | Overlapping, not the same | reviewed |
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.
- deburring machine operatorESCO 8122.5This occupation is broader
Deburring machine operators set up and tend mechanical deburring machines designed to strip metal workpieces of their rough edges, or burrs, by hammering over their surfaces in order to smoothen them or to roll over their edges in case of uneven slits or sheers in order to flatten them into the surface.
- drill press operatorESCO 7223.6This occupation is broader
Drill press operators set up and operate drill presses designed to cut excess material from or enlarge a hole in a fabricated workpiece using a hardened, rotary, multipointed cutting tool that inserts the drill into the workpiece axially.
- 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.
- metal nibbling operatorESCO 7223.11This occupation is broader
Metal nibbling operators cut detailed patterns from metal surfaces by using manual or powered metal nibblers, such as a handheld nibbling drill or a nibbling machine.
- punch press operatorESCO 7223.4.7This occupation is broader
Punch press operators set up and tend punch presses designed to cut workpieces into their desired shape by propelling a hydraulic ram to punch holes into them with a single die set that pushes through the top dead centre, through the surface, and to the bottom dead centre of the workpiece.
- 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.
- straightening machine operatorESCO 7223.22This occupation is broader
Straightening machine operators set up and tend straightening machines designed to form metal workpieces into their desired shape using pressing practices. They adjust the angle and the height of the straightening rolls and select the settings for the pressing force required to straighten the workpiece, taking into account the end product's yield strenght and size, without excess work hardening.
- swaging machine operatorESCO 7223.23This occupation is broader
Swaging machine operators set up and tend rotary swaging machines, designed to alter round ferrous and non-ferrous metal workpieces into their desired shape by first hammering them into a smaller diameter through the compressive force of two or more dies and then tagging them using a rotary swager, a process through which no excess material is lost.
- tool and die makerESCO 7222.5Overlapping, not the same
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 |
|---|---|---|
| H2924 | Conducteur / Conductrice de ligne de production en industrie métallurgique | This occupation is broader |
| H2906 | Opérateur / Opératrice en fabrication mécanique | Overlapping, not the sameprovisional |
| H2903 | Usineur / Usineuse | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| H2912 | Régleur / Régleuse d'équipements industriels | Related, not a matchprovisional |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 7323 | Ajustadores y operadores de máquinas-herramienta | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
| 8142 | Operadores de máquinas para fabricar productos de material plástico | Related, not a matchprovisional |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 24202 | Berufe in der Metallbearbeitung (ohne Spezialisierung) - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is broader |
| 24232 | Berufe in der spanenden Metallbearbeitung - 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 narrower |
| 524 | 金属プレス従事者 | Related, not a match |
| 538 | ゴム・プラスチック製品製造従事者 | Related, not a match |
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