AI JOB RISK SCANNER
O*NET-SOC 51-4041.00 / model V11 rated-task engine

Will AI replace
Machinists?

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

Estimated AI task exposure
37%

Low-Moderate exposure

V11 weights occupation tasks using O*NET Importance, Relevance and Frequency ratings instead of treating every task equally.

29 tasks have usable Task Rating records; weighted-task coverage is 100%.

Digital/info work

51/100

Physical moat

62/100

Human moat

15/100

Rating coverage

100%

29 task statements / 29 rated

Highest-weighted occupation tasks

Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Importance 94/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 87/100Weight 0.94
Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Importance 95/100Relevance 100/100Frequency 85/100Weight 0.94
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.
Importance 90/100Relevance 96/100Frequency 81/100Weight 0.90
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.
Importance 89/100Relevance 96/100Frequency 77/100Weight 0.89
Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.
Importance 86/100Relevance 99/100Frequency 73/100Weight 0.88
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.
Importance 86/100Relevance 92/100Frequency 81/100Weight 0.87
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.
Importance 84/100Relevance 95/100Frequency 71/100Weight 0.85
Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.
Importance 83/100Relevance 88/100Frequency 73/100Weight 0.82
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.
Importance 87/100Relevance 79/100Frequency 68/100Weight 0.79
Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.
Importance 77/100Relevance 92/100Frequency 62/100Weight 0.79

Task weighting

Each rated task receives a composite weight: 38% relevance, 37% importance and 25% frequency. Core tasks receive a small additional multiplier. Low-precision rows flagged by O*NET for suppression are excluded.

Occupation scoring

When rating coverage is strong, rated tasks contribute 60% of the digital, physical and human task signals and Work Activities contribute 40%. Lower-coverage occupations automatically rely more on Work Activities.

U.S. labor market

BLS Wage & Employment Outlook

Median annual wage

$58,750

BLS OEWS May 2025

National employment

287,050

BLS OEWS May 2025

Projected growth

+1.0%

BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035

Average annual openings

26

BLS Employment Projections 2025–2035

BLS labor-market figures are separate from the site's AI-exposure model. Missing values mean a compatible detailed BLS occupation estimate was not published or could not be mapped.

Career pivot radar

Safer Career Alternatives

These options are selected from the same 923-occupation model. They favor a similar task/work profile with meaningfully lower estimated AI exposure. They are suggestions for exploration, not guarantees of job fit.

SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Helpers--Extraction Workers

5%

32 points lower exposure • 82% profile similarity

Median wage: $47,730 Growth 2025–2035: +1.7% Annual openings: 1

more physical-world work, less digital task exposure
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines

5%

32 points lower exposure • 83% profile similarity

Median wage: $65,510 Growth 2025–2035: +6.7% Annual openings: 15

more physical-world work, less digital task exposure
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

5%

32 points lower exposure • 81% profile similarity

Median wage: $56,210 Growth 2025–2035: +4.4% Annual openings: 1

stronger human/judgment moat, more physical-world work
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders

6%

31 points lower exposure • 83% profile similarity

Median wage: $58,870 Growth 2025–2035: +2.8% Annual openings: 1

more physical-world work, less digital task exposure
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Home Appliance Repairers

5%

32 points lower exposure • 83% profile similarity

Median wage: $50,990 Growth 2025–2035: +1.9% Annual openings: 3

more physical-world work, less digital task exposure
SAFER ALTERNATIVE

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

5%

32 points lower exposure • 81% profile similarity

Median wage: $64,120 Growth 2025–2035: +29.5% Annual openings: 2

more physical-world work, less digital task exposure

Personalized career defense protocol

AI-Proofing Plan

AUTOMATE

    AUGMENT

      PROTECT

      • physical-world execution
      • on-site troubleshooting
      • dexterity and equipment interaction

      LEARN

      • AI-assisted diagnostics
      • digital documentation

      AI-PROOFING RESOURCES

      What this score does not mean

      The percentage is a comparative task-exposure index. It is not the probability that this occupation disappears, that a worker is laid off, or that AI can perform the entire job.

      New in V11

      Find a Safer Career Path

      High exposure does not mean starting over. V11 compares your occupation with the other 922 O*NET occupations and surfaces lower-exposure options with similar work profiles.

      EXPLORE CAREER ALTERNATIVES
      I am your guide.
      Knowledge is your strongest upgrade.