Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?AI replacement risk 45% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$49,030
25th–75th pct. $42,440–$60,130
Top pay (est.)
$89,300
Top 10% $68,720
Pay in 5 years
$54,800est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$61,200est.
$52,600–$71,000
Outlook score
27/100
★☆☆☆☆ Weak
AI replacement risk
45%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−17.2%
600 openings / yr

Will AI replace Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic? AI replacement risk

45%
Moderate
Ranked #442 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 Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.2
Operations Monitoring
3.2
Critical Thinking
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Monitoring
3.0
Speaking
2.9
Quality Control Analysis
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.1
Production and Processing
3.8
Mathematics
2.6
Administration and Management
2.2
Education and Training
2.1
Computers and Electronics
2.0
English Language
1.9
Public Safety and Security
0.8

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsProcessing InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesHandling and Moving Objects

Important abilities

Control PrecisionNear VisionVisualizationRate ControlReaction TimeTrunk Strength

Training before entry

1–3 months
32%
Up to 1 month
25%
6–12 months
25%
1–2 years
14%
2–4 years
2%
None / short demo
1%

Related work experience

2–4 years
28%
6–12 months
25%
1–3 months
4%

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.