Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Production Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 51-4192.00
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Low· 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
0.20–0.21· 2 ISCO-08 groups
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.
ILO value for each linked ISCO-08 group
- ISCO-08 7213Sheet Metal Workers0.21
- ISCO-08 7222Toolmakers and Related Workers0.20
Task-level exposure
Exposed tasks only14 rated tasks · 4 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (28.6%)
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 % |
|---|---|
Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.51-4192.00 | 0.0030100.0 |
| Not observed on any surface — 13 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. | |
Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled. | —0 |
Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals. | —0 |
Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames. | —0 |
Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills. | —0 |
Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators. | —0 |
Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates. | —0 |
Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules. | —0 |
Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications. | —0 |
Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal. | —0 |
Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding. | —0 |
Add dimensional details to blueprints or drawings made by other workers. | —0 |
Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips. | —0 |
Apply pigment to layout surfaces, using paint brushes. | —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 |
|---|---|
Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.O*NET Task ID 10296 | 0.5 |
Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.O*NET Task ID 10302 | 0.5 |
Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications.O*NET Task ID 10303 | 0.5 |
Add dimensional details to blueprints or drawings made by other workers.O*NET Task ID 10306 | 0.5 |
Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.O*NET Task ID 10295 | 0.0 |
Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.O*NET Task ID 10297 | 0.0 |
Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.O*NET Task ID 10298 | 0.0 |
Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.O*NET Task ID 10299 | 0.0 |
Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.O*NET Task ID 10300 | 0.0 |
Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.O*NET Task ID 10301 | 0.0 |
Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal.O*NET Task ID 10304 | 0.0 |
Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding.O*NET Task ID 10305 | 0.0 |
Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips.O*NET Task ID 10307 | 0.0 |
Apply pigment to layout surfaces, using paint brushes.O*NET Task ID 10308 | 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 (14)
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 |
|---|---|
| Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled. | Core |
| Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals. | Core |
| Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames. | Core |
| Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills. | Core |
| Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly. | Core |
| Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators. | Core |
| Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates. | Core |
| Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules. | Core |
| Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal. | Core |
| Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications. | Supplemental |
| Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding. | Supplemental |
| Add dimensional details to blueprints or drawings made by other workers. | Supplemental |
| Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips. | Supplemental |
| Apply pigment to layout surfaces, using paint brushes. | Supplemental |
0.76/ 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 |
|---|---|
| Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding. | E0 none |
| Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Apply pigment to layout surfaces, using paint brushes. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 6K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 6K
- Change (2025–35)
- -3.4%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $63,870
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 74040 | 제관원 | Related, not a match | 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 7213Sheet Metal Workers
- ISCO-08 7222Toolmakers and Related Workers
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
ISCO-08 7213
- container equipment assemblerESCO 7213.2
Container equipment assemblers manufacture containers such as boilers or pressure vessels. They read blueprints and technical drawings to assemble parts and to build piping and fittings.
- coppersmithESCO 7213.3
Coppersmiths craft and repair items made of non-ferrous metals such as copper, brass and similar materials. They shape and form the raw materials into objects of practical or artistic purpose using smithing tools. Professional coppersmiths create detailed and highly technical devices using appropriate smithing techniques.
- sheet metal workerESCO 7213.4
Sheet metal workers in construction use sheet metal to construct roofs, ducts for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning, gutters and other metal structures. They read plans and determine the type and amount of materials to be used, then measure, bend, cut, shape, and attach pieces of sheet metal to create the required structure.
- boilermakerESCO 7213.1
Boilermakers operate a variety of equipment and machinery to create, repipe and retube hot water and steam boilers, producing them in all steps of the production process. They cut, gouge and shape the metal sheets and tubes for the boilers to size, using oxy-acetylene gas torches, assemble them by shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding or gas tungsten arc welding, and finish them by the approprate machine tools, power tools and coating.
ISCO-08 7222
- gunsmithESCO 7222.2
Gunsmiths modify and repair metal fabricated firearms for special costumer specifications. They use machines and hand tools such as planers, grinders and millers to alter and restore guns, and they may also apply engravings, carvings and other decorative finishing touches to the otherwise finished product.
- casting mould makerESCO 7222.1
Casting mould makers create metal, wooden or plastic models of the finished product to be cast. The patterns are then used to create moulds, eventually leading to the casting of the product of the same shape as the pattern.
- locksmithESCO 7222.3
Locksmiths install and repair mechanical and electronic lock systems using specialized tools. They cut and make duplicated keys for their clients and open locked doors in emergency situations. Locksmiths may also provide advice on security measures.
- precision mechanicESCO 7222.4
Precision mechanics manufacture precision metal components for machines and assemble them into functional units. They also build electronic measuring and control components. Precision mechanics use milling, drilling, grinding and honing machines.
- tool and die makerESCO 7222.5
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.
ESCO occupations that ESCO classifies under the ISCO-08 unit groups linked above; they are not matched to this occupation one by one.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| H2919 | Charpentier / Charpentière métallique en construction navale | Overlapping, not the same |
| H2902 | Chaudronnier / Chaudronnière | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 7313 | Chapistas y caldereros | Related, not a match |
| 7314 | Montadores de estructuras metálicas | Related, not a match |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 24212 | Berufe in der spanlosen Metallbearbeitung - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| 24412 | Berufe im Metallbau - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| 25242 | Berufe in der Schiffbautechnik - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | Related, not a matchprovisional |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 529 | その他の製品製造・加工処理従事者（金属製品） | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
| 525 | 鉄工，製缶従事者 | Related, not a matchprovisional |
| 591 | 生産関連作業従事者 | 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