Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?AI replacement risk 50% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$46,330
25th–75th pct. $38,870–$55,410
Top pay (est.)
$85,200
Top 10% $65,510
Pay in 5 years
$51,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$58,000est.
$49,900–$67,400
Outlook score
28/100
★☆☆☆☆ Weak
AI replacement risk
50%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−10.5%
13K openings / yr

Will AI replace Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic? AI replacement risk

50%
Moderate
Ranked #515 safest from AI among all U.S. 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 O*NET 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 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.6
Operations Monitoring
3.5
Quality Control Analysis
3.1
Monitoring
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Troubleshooting
3.0
Equipment Maintenance
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
2.9
Engineering and Technology
2.3
Mathematics
2.2
Design
2.2
Production and Processing
2.1
English Language
1.8
Education and Training
1.6
Computers and Electronics
1.5

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Control PrecisionNear VisionMultilimb CoordinationReaction TimeArm-Hand SteadinessRate Control

Education of workers

High school diploma
63%
Post-secondary certificate
35%

Training before entry

None / short demo
50%
2–4 years
25%
Up to 1 month
12%
4–10 years
11%
3–6 months
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
49%
None
25%
4–6 years
12%
Up to 1 month
10%
1–2 years
3%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

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: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.