Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?AI replacement risk 37% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$48,750
25th–75th pct. $40,660–$58,400
Top pay (est.)
$86,300
Top 10% $66,350
Pay in 5 years
$54,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$61,900est.
$53,300–$71,900
Outlook score
30/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
37%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−9.5%
1,100 openings / yr

Will AI replace Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic? AI replacement risk

37%
Low
Ranked #340 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 Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.9
Operations Monitoring
3.8
Monitoring
3.4
Quality Control Analysis
3.2
Equipment Maintenance
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Instructing
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
4.2
Chemistry
3.2
Mathematics
3.1
Education and Training
3.1
Mechanical
2.8
Customer and Personal Service
2.5
Engineering and Technology
2.5
Design
2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Important abilities

Reaction TimeSelective AttentionStatic StrengthControl PrecisionNear VisionOral Expression

Education of workers

High school diploma
70%
Less than high school
20%
Post-secondary certificate
10%

Training before entry

3–6 months
36%
Up to 1 month
26%
6–12 months
20%
1–2 years
10%
None / short demo
9%

Related work experience

None
48%
6–12 months
31%
3–6 months
21%

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

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (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.