Strength of current models on the capabilities this job's tasks require.
Task automation potential45/100
Task-level exposure, weighted by task importance. A component of the headline, not the headline itself.
Observed AI adoption0/100
Evidence that AI is actually being used for this work.
Labour-market signal0/100
Observed changes in postings, employment or earnings.
Evidence strength0/100
Quantity and source quality of the evidence behind the score.
0 evidence item(s) contribute. Calculated 19 hours ago. 3 Oct 2026 UTC.
Overview
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.
Employment
≈330,000
approx. BLS OES
Median wage
≈$50,000
approx. BLS OES
Tasks tracked
29
linked to this occupation
Employment and wage values are approximate reference figures from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics programme, stored with an approximation flag. Verify against the O*NET record and BLS before quoting them.
Core tasks only. Exposure describes how much of the task output current AI can produce or substantially assist - not whether the task disappears. Secondary shared-baseline edges are hidden until per-occupation curation is complete.
0 attributed item(s). Confidence reflects study design: randomised and production deployments score higher than platform observations, which score higher than projections.
No occupation-specific evidence has been mapped yet. This occupation is scored from generic task assessment only - a genuinely weaker basis, and the reason its score is marked low-confidence.
Historical trend
Exposure over time
Backcast series: recomputed at quarterly checkpoints using only the models and evidence published by each date.
Score · 23 points · 2021-01-01 to 2026-07-01
Reconstruction, not measurement. 5 observed daily snapshot(s) exist for this occupation; the earlier part of the curve is derived by applying the current methodology to the model releases and published evidence available at each past date.
Recent events
Signals affecting this occupation
Labour market update
▲ IMPACT 35
Artificial Intelligence and Economic Growth: Opportunities, Challenges, and Implications for Employment
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative general-purpose technology with significant implications for economic growth, productivity, industrial development, labour markets, and the future of employment. Advances in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, generative AI, robotics, and automated decision systems are enabling organizations to perform increasingly sophisticated cognitive and operational tasks. AI has the potential to increase productivity, reduce production and transaction costs, stimulate innovation, improve resource alloc
Workforce data/Confidence:80 · high/Verified by AIKillsWhat
Research published
▲ IMPACT 40
Impact of Artificial Intelligence and Automation on Employment Patterns, Workforce Skills, and Future Career Opportunities
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming the global labour market by reshaping employment patterns, redefining workforce skill requirements, and creating new career opportunities across diverse industries. The integration of intelligent technologies such as machine learning, robotics, natural language processing, computer vision, and intelligent automation has significantly improved productivity, operational efficiency, and innovation while simultaneously altering traditional job roles and organizational structures. This study examines the impact of Artificial Intelligence
Labor research/Confidence:74 · moderate/Verified by AIKillsWhat
Common questions regarding Machinists and AI exposure.
Will AI replace Machinists?
Current AI models show an exposure score of 33/100 for Machinists. This measures technical capability to assist or automate specific tasks rather than predicted immediate job loss. Low exposure indicates significant physical, clinical, or relational tasks that current AI cannot autonomously execute.
Which tasks in Machinists have the highest AI exposure?
The most exposed tasks for Machinists include "Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools." (58% exposure) and "Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability." (35% exposure).
What aspects of Machinists can AI not do yet?
Tasks with the lowest AI exposure for Machinists include "Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal." (5% exposure) and "Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts." (5% exposure). These responsibilities typically require physical dexterity, licensed human accountability, or complex interpersonal navigation.
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Notice: All ratings shown are AI-estimated technical exposure scores measuring technical capabilities across O*NET task statements, not predicted job loss. Contains information from O*NET 31.0 by the U.S. Department of Labor, ETA, used under CC BY 4.0.