42/100
ModerateHow much of this occupation’s work can be materially affected by current AI systems.
49/100
ModerateHow likely exposure is to translate into reduced human demand.
Includes provisional estimates for AI adoption pressure and labour-market resilience. How this is measured
Confidence reflects task coverage, mapping and capability-evidence quality, and how much of the score rests on provisional inputs.
Task-level evidence
What is driving the score?
Occupation scores are built from the task mix—not a single prediction about a job title.
TaskImportanceAI impactExposure
Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.High79
Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.High75
Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.High78
Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.High74
Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.High40
Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.High33
Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.Medium39
Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.High24
Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.High24
Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.High25
Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.High24
Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools.Medium24
Install holding fixtures, cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movement, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments.Medium24
Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.Medium24
Turn valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas or to coat disks with spinning compounds.Medium19
Where AI can do more
Routine, digitized, and highly repeatable tasks face the greatest pressure.
- Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.79
- Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.78
- Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.75
- Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.74
Where people still matter
These tasks score lowest on automation feasibility—physical presence, judgement, accountability and real-world variability all resist end-to-end automation.
- Turn valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas or to coat disks with spinning compounds.01
- Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.02
- Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.03
- Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.04
- Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools.05
Where else this work leads
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one. Relatedness reflects shared work, not a claim that these roles are safer.
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Related work
Compare these careers →Beyond AI capability
Adoption and labour-market outlook
Structural factors are kept separate from raw capability so you can see what actually resists automation. Adoption pressure and labour-market resilience are still provisional models—25% of this occupation’s replacement-risk weight rests on them.
Methodology & sources
O*NET 30.3 occupational data interpreted through the JobsVsAI capability, automation and structural-constraint models.
Confidence81/100
CalculatedAug 21, 2026
Read methodology →