Machine Tool Operators
Official O*NET title: Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (51-4081.00)
Also called: cell technician, cnc machine setter, fabrication set-up person, injection molding technician, machine operator
Do you do this at work?
Answer each card — it takes about a minute.
Do you do this at work?
Compute data
Swipe right for yes, left for not me. On a keyboard: → yes, ← not me, Z undo. +2 XP per answer.
How AI is changing machine tool operators work
1 of 18 measurable main tasks for this job show up in real AI-use data, so we rate it Green (little AI use yet) — 6%.
This shows where people already use AI, not whether the job will disappear. How we measure this.
Tasks in this job and recorded AI use
- Compute data (main task) — a lot of recorded AI use
- Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Set up and operate machines (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Change worn machine accessories (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Set machine stops or guides to specified lengths as indicated by scales, rules, or templates (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Select the proper coolants and lubricants and start their flow (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Perform minor machine maintenance (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Make minor electrical and mechanical repairs and adjustments to machines and notify supervisors when major service is required (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Start machines and turn handwheels or valves to engage feeding, cooling, and lubricating mechanisms (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Move controls or mount gears, cams, or templates in machines to set feed rates and cutting speeds, depths, and angles (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Record operational data (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Extract or lift jammed pieces from machines, using fingers, wire hooks, or lift bars (main task) — no recorded AI use
- Measure and mark reference points and cutting lines on workpieces, using traced templates, compasses, and rules — no recorded AI use
- Write programs for computer numerical control machines to cut metal and plastic materials — too new for the AI data
- Align layout marks with dies or blades — no recorded AI use
Tasks: O*NET 31.0. AI use: Anthropic Economic Index (exact or close text match).
Your first steps (guidance)
- Week 1: Open a free AI assistant and say hello. Follow our “Getting started with AI” guide. Ask it one simple question about your work.
- Week 2: Use AI on one task you do often. Try the prompt for: “Compute data”. Try the prompt for: “Instruct other workers in machine set-up and operation”.
Tick your own tasks above to get a plan based on what you really do. The first 2 weeks are free; Premium (coming soon) adds weeks 3–12. New to AI? Read our beginner’s guide.
Questions about AI and machine tool operators
Will AI replace machine tool operators?
Our data can’t predict job losses, and we don’t try to. What it does show: 1 of the 18 main tasks for this job match tasks people already use AI for (Anthropic Economic Index), giving a Green rating (little AI use yet). Using AI on a task is not the same as AI doing the whole job, and 19 of the 21 listed tasks show no recorded AI use yet.
Which machine tool operator tasks is AI used for most?
In the data, the most AI use among this job’s tasks is for: compute data.
Which machine tool operator tasks show little or no AI use?
For example: inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments; position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists; read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences. These are good places to keep building your own skills.
How does this job compare to others?
In Microsoft Research’s “Working with AI” study, this job’s AI applicability score is equal to or higher than 46% of the occupations they scored. That measures overlap with AI chat use, not risk of job loss.
How can a machine tool operator start learning AI?
Start small: open a free AI assistant, try it on one task you do often, and always check facts and numbers yourself. The plan on this page is guidance, not professional advice.
See how this job ranks
Machine Tool Operators ranks #527 of 572 jobs for the share of main tasks with AI use (#1 = most), and #27 of 35 in Production & Plant. It’s in our top 50 jobs AI is least likely to replace.
Related jobs
- Will AI change production supervisors?
- Will AI change aircraft assemblers?
- Will AI change coil winders?
- Will AI change engine assemblers?
- Will AI change bakers?
- Will AI change food batchmakers?
- Will AI change press machine operators?
- Will AI change cutting machine operators?
- Will AI change industrial machinery mechanics?
- Will AI change cnc machine operators?
- See all jobs