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How exposed to AI is a Machinist?

Of the 29 tasks O*NET lists for machinists, 0 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 21 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
CNC Machinist (Computer Numeric Controlled Machinist)CNC Machinist (Computer Numerically Controlled Machinist)Gear MachinistMachine Repair PersonMachinistMaintenance MachinistManual Lathe MachinistProduction MachinistTool Room Machinist
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
29
tasks rated for this occupation
0%
hold a degree, from a survey of 27
333k
people do this job in the US
14 of 107
least protected in production

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Only with software built on top

8
  • Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools
  • Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications
  • Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability
  • Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs
  • Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information
  • Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance
  • Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines
  • Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products

Cannot be sped up

21
  • Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers
  • Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders
  • Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers
  • Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations
  • Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products
  • Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process
  • Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition
  • Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools
  • Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines
  • Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency
  • Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs
  • Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations
  • Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts
  • Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal
  • Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled
  • Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics
  • Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment
  • Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed
  • Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design
  • Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment
  • Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.