Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?AI replacement risk 31% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$43,960
25th–75th pct. $37,260–$49,600
Top pay (est.)
$78,500
Top 10% $60,370
Pay in 5 years
$49,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$56,000est.
$48,200–$65,100
Outlook score
31/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
31%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−9.7%
2,500 openings / yr

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

31%
Low
Ranked #268 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 Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.1
Monitoring
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Operation and Control
3.0
Reading Comprehension
2.9
Quality Control Analysis
2.8
Speaking
2.8
Time Management
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Production and Processing
5.0
Education and Training
3.7
Mathematics
3.6
Chemistry
3.4
Administration and Management
3.2
Mechanical
3.2
Engineering and Technology
3.2
Physics
3.2

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionNear VisionMultilimb CoordinationManual DexterityControl PrecisionTrunk Strength

Education of workers

Less than high school
49%
High school diploma
47%
Bachelor's degree
3%

Training before entry

1–2 years
35%
1–3 months
25%
6–12 months
6%
Up to 1 month
3%
3–6 months
1%

Related work experience

Up to 1 month
14%
6–12 months
11%
4–6 years
9%
3–6 months
6%
1–2 years
5%
1–3 months
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.