Ranked #402 safest from AI among all Japanese occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high
How AI is changing this job
A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.
AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using the MHLW job tag survey on work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →
Skills, education and requirements for NC工作機械オペレーター
Key skills
Operation and Control
3.5
Quality Control Analysis
3.2
Equipment Maintenance
3.2
Equipment Selection
3.0
Operations Monitoring
3.0
Repairing
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0
Active Listening
2.9
Skill levels from the MHLW job tag worker survey.
Key knowledge areas
Production and Processing
3.1
Mechanical
2.8
Mathematics
2.2
Engineering and Technology
1.7
Design
1.6
Computers and Electronics
1.6
Physics
1.3
Education and Training
1.2
What the work involves
Controlling Machines and ProcessesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeWorking with ComputersMaking Decisions and Solving Problems
Important abilities
Problem SensitivityNumber FacilityMemorizationSelective AttentionVisualizationPerceptual Speed
Licenses and certifications (Japan)
特級機械加工技能士 National license
１級機械加工技能士 National license
２級機械加工技能士 National license
３級機械加工技能士 National license
Related qualifications listed on job tag (names in Japanese). Some are mandatory, others recommended.
Education of workers
Training before entry
Related work experience
Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience, licenses)
Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: Basic Survey on Wage Structure (2025), Population Census and Hello Work employment statistics as published on the MHLW job tag site (retrieved Nov 1, 2026); Occupational Information Database (JILPT). Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.