AITakeover Tracker
35%medium risk

Machinists

Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. 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.

Green Enhanced SkillsHigher risk than 64% of occupations

AI Impact Summary

Machinists faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 35/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 64% of all analyzed occupations. Of 29 analyzed tasks, 2 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Information Ordering5%

High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Reading Comprehension10%

Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Mathematics10%

Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Memorization5%

Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Programming15%

Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

AI-Resistant Skills (11)

Manual Dexterity80%

Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Adaptability/Flexibility85%

Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Leadership88%

Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Social Perceptiveness90%

Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Instructing75%

Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Equipment Maintenance78%

Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

AI-Augmented Skills (7)

Critical ThinkingMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingWritingActive LearningSystems AnalysisTechnology Design

Recommended Courses

Courses matched to Machinists skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.

Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.

Upskill to Reduce Risk

Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills

DataCampbeginner

SQL Fundamentals Skill Track

by DataCamp

21 hours$25/mo4.7Certificate
Addresses vulnerability: Information Ordering

Estimated Impact

-6.9pt risk+$3K/yr salary

AI-Augmentation Tools

Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity

Pluralsightbeginner

Cybersecurity Fundamentals Path

by Pluralsight

30 hours$29/mo4.5Certificate
Enhances AI augmentation: Monitoring

Estimated Impact

-4.8pt risk+$3K/yr salary

Strengthen Your Edge

Double down on skills AI can't replicate

Courseraintermediate

Leading People and Teams Specialization

by University of Michigan

~6 weeks$49/mo4.7Certificate
Strengthens resilience: Leadership

Estimated Impact

-3.5pt risk+$3K/yr salary

We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.

Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

Less than High School2%
High School Diploma34%
Some College50%
Post-Secondary Certificate4%
Associate's Degree5%
Master's Degree5%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None8%
3-6 months4%
6 months - 1 year20%
1-2 years18%
2-4 years23%
4-6 years23%
6-8 years5%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

None6%
Up to 1 month11%
1-3 months10%
3-6 months12%
6 months - 1 year28%
1-2 years16%
2-4 years15%
4-6 years2%

How AI Impacts Each Task

29 tasks analyzed

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.

Risk: 69.8%AI: 51.58ObservedTime: 5%

Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 14%

Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 10%

Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 5%

Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.

Risk: 53.0%AI: 50EstimatedTime: 5%

Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.

Risk: 57.0%AI: 60EstimatedTime: 5%

Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 3%

Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.

Risk: 55.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 5%

Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.

Risk: 47.0%AI: 35EstimatedTime: 2%

Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.

Risk: 53.0%AI: 50EstimatedTime: 2%

Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.

Risk: 85.2%AI: 90EstimatedTime: 4%

Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.

Risk: 55.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 3%

Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.

Risk: 55.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 3%

Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.

Risk: 25.0%AI: 25EstimatedTime: 3%

Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 3%

Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.

Risk: 13.0%AI: 10EstimatedTime: 3%

Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 3%

Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties and mathematics.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 55EstimatedTime: 3%

Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.

Risk: 25.0%AI: 25EstimatedTime: 2%

Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 2%

Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.

Risk: 53.0%AI: 50EstimatedTime: 2%

Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.

Risk: 55.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 2%

Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.

Risk: 53.0%AI: 65EstimatedTime: 2%

Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.

Risk: 13.0%AI: 10EstimatedTime: 2%

Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.

Risk: 13.0%AI: 10EstimatedTime: 2%

Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.

Risk: 85.2%AI: 90EstimatedTime: 2%

Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.

Risk: 23.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 2%

Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.

Risk: 55.8%AI: 71.88ObservedTime: 2%

Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.

Risk: 13.0%AI: 10EstimatedTime: 2%

Protective Factors

Total protective discount: 26.3%

Essential Soft Skills

Traits that are hard for AI to replicate

Attention to DetailDependabilityIndependenceSelf ControlInitiativeAdaptability/FlexibilityIntegrityPersistenceInnovationStress ToleranceCooperationAchievement/Effort

Wage & Employment (2024)

Median Wage

$56,150

per year

Mean Wage

$57,390

per year

Employment

299K

workers

Wage Range

$38,100 - $78,760

10th - 90th pct

Wage Distribution

$38,100Median: $56,150$78,760
Career Planning

Explore other career paths

Compare displacement risk across occupations and find careers with stronger long-term prospects.

Alternate Career Paths

See all transitions

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

26%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $62,700

Higher risk than 19% of other occupations

Tool and Die Makers

27%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $63,180

Higher risk than 22% of other occupations

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

29%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $46,020

Higher risk than 29% of other occupations

Glass Blowers, Molders, Benders, and Finishers

31%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $45,690

Higher risk than 41% of other occupations

Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic

34%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $54,540

Higher risk than 58% of other occupations

Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic

40%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 82% of other occupations

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

41%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $48,310

Higher risk than 83% of other occupations

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

42%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $45,190

Higher risk than 87% of other occupations

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

43%
Medium Risk

Median salary: $46,630

Higher risk than 89% of other occupations

Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic

44%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 91% of other occupations

Chief Executives

26%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 19% of other occupations

Sales Managers

26%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 19% of other occupations

General and Operations Managers

29%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 30% of other occupations

Advertising and Promotions Managers

29%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 33% of other occupations

Marketing Managers

30%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 36% of other occupations

Computer and Information Systems Managers

31%
Medium Risk

Higher risk than 43% of other occupations

Subscribed — always updated

Recommendations

Skills to Develop

These skills are at risk from AI automation. Machinists professionals should diversify beyond them.

  • Mathematics

    High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

  • Information Ordering

    High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

  • Reading Comprehension

    Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

  • Mathematics

    Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

  • Memorization

    Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Skills to Leverage

These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.

  • Manual Dexterity

    Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Adaptability/Flexibility

    Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Leadership

    Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Coordination

    Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

  • Complex Problem Solving

    Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Tools to Adopt

AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.

  • Critical Thinking

    Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Monitoring

    Monitoring will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Judgment and Decision Making

    Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Writing

    Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

  • Active Learning

    Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.

Score History

Risk score over 1 scoring run

Checking for existing plan...