Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace helpers--production workers?AI replacement risk 39% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$39,070
25th–75th pct. $35,220–$45,990
Top pay (est.)
$69,400
Top 10% $53,410
Pay in 5 years
$44,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$49,900est.
$42,900–$57,900
Outlook score
34/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
39%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−8.2%
21K openings / yr

Will AI replace Helpers--Production Workers? AI replacement risk

39%
Low
Ranked #363 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 Helpers--Production Workers

Key skills

Operation and Control
2.6
Operations Monitoring
2.5
Reading Comprehension
2.1
Active Listening
2.1
Monitoring
2.1
Social Perceptiveness
2.0
Complex Problem Solving
2.0
Coordination
2.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
3.4
English Language
3.4
Mechanical
3.2
Education and Training
2.9
Computers and Electronics
2.8
Engineering and Technology
2.4
Administration and Management
2.4
Public Safety and Security
2.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsDocumenting/Recording InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Important abilities

Static StrengthNear VisionManual DexterityFar VisionReaction TimeTrunk Strength

Education of workers

Less than high school
35%
High school diploma
32%
Post-secondary certificate
20%
Professional degree
8%
Some college
6%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
27%
None / short demo
25%
1–3 months
20%
3–6 months
14%
6–12 months
13%

Related work experience

None
45%
Up to 1 month
14%
1–3 months
12%
6–12 months
12%
3–6 months
7%
2–4 years
6%
4–6 years
4%

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.