Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers?AI replacement risk 55% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$48,570
25th–75th pct. $39,890–$61,440
Top pay (est.)
$101,200
Top 10% $77,860
Pay in 5 years
$55,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$63,900est.
$54,900–$74,100
Outlook score
45/100
★★☆☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
55%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
+2.5%
67K openings / yr

Will AI replace Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers? AI replacement risk

55%
Moderate
Ranked #588 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 Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers

Key skills

Quality Control Analysis
3.4
Critical Thinking
3.2
Operations Monitoring
3.1
Active Listening
3.1
Writing
3.1
Monitoring
3.1
Speaking
3.0
Reading Comprehension
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
4.5
Mechanical
3.7
Customer and Personal Service
3.6
English Language
3.5
Mathematics
3.5
Education and Training
3.4
Computers and Electronics
3.0
Chemistry
2.9

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsProcessing Information

Important abilities

Near VisionOral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionPerceptual SpeedFinger Dexterity

Education of workers

High school diploma
70%
Post-secondary certificate
27%
Some college
3%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
32%
3–6 months
31%
1–3 months
16%
2–4 years
9%
4–10 years
9%
6–12 months
3%

Related work experience

None
44%
2–4 years
20%
1–3 months
14%
1–2 years
11%
4–6 years
10%

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.