51-4034.00

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

8.4OUT OF 10SAFEHIGH RISK
High Risk

The robots are coming for your paycheck

More at risk than 80% of occupations we track

Frey & Osborne (2013) estimated 84% probability of automation for this role
paper →
80%
of jobs safer
204
jobs riskier than this
-13.6%
projected growth

Disruption Vector

Disruption Type

Physical Robots

Physical robotics, autonomous machines, and automated equipment are the main threat to the physical tasks in this occupation.

Lathe and turning machine operators who run manual or CNC turning equipment face ongoing displacement from automated CNC turning centers with robotic loading that can run lights-out. Programming, setup, and quality inspection of tight-tolerance parts remain human tasks. By 2027, manual lathe operation declines further as shops transition to fully automated CNC cells, but skilled machinists who can set up and program turning centers remain in demand.

Disrupted byBoston DynamicsAmazon RoboticsTesla Optimus

Salary & Job Outlook

Median Annual Pay
$48,620
US Bureau of Labor Statistics
10-Year Job Growth
-13.6%
Declining
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2 / 5

AI Risk Timeline

8.4
9.2
9.9
10.0
Today
5 Years
10 Years
20 Years

Projection model: Based on current AI capability growth rates. High-risk occupations are projected to see compounding automation pressure, while human-centric roles show slower risk accumulation. These are statistical projections, not guarantees.

Skills Analysis — AI Vulnerability

AI can replicate (0)
AI-resistant (1)
Mixed
Active Listening65%
Speaking60%
Coordination62%
Monitoring58%
Time Management55%

Career Pivot Paths

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Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

8.4
/ 10
High Risk
84% automation risk

"Let's just say your LinkedIn is about to get very busy."

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I just checked if I'm cooked as a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic 🤖 AI risk score: 8.4/10 — High Risk "Let's just say your LinkedIn is about to get very busy." Check yours 👇 https://amicooked-five.vercel.app/results/51-4034.00 #AmICooked #AI #FutureOfWork

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LATHE AND TURNING MACHINE TOOL SETTERS, OPERATORS, AND TENDERS, METAL AND PLASTIC
8.4

/ 10

HIGH RISK

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You're more at risk than a Aerospace Engineers (score: 1.6). Maybe it's time to rethink.

This analysis is for informational purposes only and is based on statistical models and academic research. It does not constitute career advice and is not a guarantee of future employment outcomes. AI impact varies significantly by employer, region, and individual circumstances. Learn about our methodology →