Machinists vs Model Makers, Metal and Plastic AI Risk

Job 1

Job 2

Job 1

Job 2

medium risk

Machinists

55 shared · 6 different

core competencies

medium risk

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Side-by-Side Comparison

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic leads 5–0

Metric	Machinists	Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score	36.8%	28.1%
Risk Tier	Medium Risk	Medium Risk
Risk Percentile	71th	30th
Tasks at Risk (>50%)	9 / 15	6 / 15
Median Salary	$56,150	$62,700
Employment	299K	3K

Skill Comparison

Sorted by largest difference

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

English Language

Controlling Machines and Processes

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Performing General Physical Activities

Mechanical

Protective Factors

Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement

Machinists

26%

total discount

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

25%

total discount

Task Risk Comparison

Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable

Machinists

9 of 15 at risk

86%Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.

84%Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.

70%Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments such as micrometers or vernier calipers.

63%Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.

57%Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

6 of 15 at risk

85%Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.

70%Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.

66%Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.

55%Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.

55%Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacture (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.

Wage Comparison

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic earns +$6,550(+12%) vs Machinists

MachinistsModel Makers, Metal and Plastic

10th

$38,100$38,430

25th

$46,250$48,860

Median

$56,150$62,700

75th

$64,910$79,470

90th

$78,760$95,780

Premium Head-to-Head Analysis

Displacement Timeline Comparison

Machinists2028–2035

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic2028–2035

20242030203520402045

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Machinists.

Risk-Adjusted Salary

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

Machinists

$35,492

from $56,150

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

$45,062

from $62,700

After adjusting for AI risk, Model Makers, Metal and Plastic offers $9,570 more in risk-adjusted pay.

Transition Feasibility

Skill Overlap

Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition

Unique to Machinists

Unique to Model

Combined Protection Strategy

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

Fine Manipulation

Creativity

Social Intelligence

Regulatory Barriers

MachinistsModel Makers, Metal and Plastic

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