Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic vs Helpers--Production Workers AI Risk

Job 1

Job 2

Job 1

Job 2

medium risk

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

37 shared · 14 different

core competencies

medium risk

Helpers--Production Workers

Side-by-Side Comparison

Metric	Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic	Helpers--Production Workers
Risk Score	39.5%	39.5%
Risk Tier	Medium Risk	Medium Risk
Risk Percentile	79th	79th
Tasks at Risk (>50%)	6 / 15	11 / 15
Median Salary	$48,620	$38,220
Employment	19K	167K

Skill Comparison

Sorted by largest difference

Controlling Machines and Processes

Performing General Physical Activities

Training and Teaching Others

MathematicsAI-Vulnerable

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material

Documenting/Recording Information

Mechanical

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Handling and Moving Objects

Coaching and Developing Others

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Protective Factors

Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

25%

total discount

Helpers--Production Workers

23%

total discount

Task Risk Comparison

Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

6 of 15 at risk

88%Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

86%Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.

86%Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.

85%Program computer numerical control machines.

74%Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.

Helpers--Production Workers

11 of 15 at risk

86%Count finished products to determine if product orders are complete.

86%Measure amounts of products, lengths of extruded articles, or weights of filled containers to ensure conformance to specifications.

86%Mark or tag identification on parts.

86%Observe equipment operations so that malfunctions can be detected, and notify operators of any malfunctions.

67%Examine products to verify conformance to quality standards.

Wage Comparison

Helpers--Production Workers earns -$10,400(-21%) vs Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHelpers--Production Workers

10th

$36,200$30,060

25th

$41,180$34,390

Median

$48,620$38,220

75th

$58,100$44,980

90th

$65,450$52,120

Premium Head-to-Head Analysis

Displacement Timeline Comparison

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic2028–2035

Helpers--Production Workers2028–2035

20242030203520402045

Helpers--Production Workers has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.

Risk-Adjusted Salary

Salary weighted by displacement risk: salary × (1 − risk%)

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

$29,391

from $48,620

Helpers--Production Workers

$23,119

from $38,220

After adjusting for AI risk, Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic offers $6,272 more in risk-adjusted pay.

Transition Feasibility

Skill Overlap

Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition

Unique to Lathe

Unique to Helpers--Production

Combined Protection Strategy

Regardless of which path you choose, focus on these protective factors

Creativity

Decision Complexity

Social Intelligence

Fine Manipulation

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and PlasticHelpers--Production Workers

Find transitions from Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Find transitions from Helpers--Production Workers