Takeover Tracker
37%medium risk
Machinists
vs

50 shared · 14 different

core competencies

21%low risk
Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMachinistsWelders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
Risk Score36.8%21.4%
Risk TierMedium RiskLow Risk
Risk Percentile71th10th
Tasks at Risk (>50%)9 / 155 / 15
Median Salary$56,150$51,000
Employment299K424K

Skill Comparison

|

Sorted by largest difference

Handling and Moving Objects
MathematicsAI-Vulnerable
Assisting and Caring for Others
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Training and Teaching Others
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Controlling Machines and Processes
Performing General Physical Activities
Administration and Management
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Coaching and Developing Others

Protective Factors

Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement

Machinists

26%

total discount

Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters

27%

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.

Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters

5 of 15 at risk
84%Examine workpieces for defects and measure workpieces with straightedges or templates to ensure conformance with specifications.
77%Mark or tag material with proper job number, piece marks, and other identifying marks as required.
73%Select and install torches, torch tips, filler rods, and flux, according to welding chart specifications or types and thicknesses of metals.
57%Analyze engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, sketches, work orders, and material safety data sheets to plan layout, assembly, and welding operations.
55%Determine required equipment and welding methods, applying knowledge of metallurgy, geometry, and welding techniques.

Wage Comparison

Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters earns -$5,150(-9%) vs Machinists
MachinistsWelders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
10th
$38,100$38,130
25th
$46,250$45,580
Median
$56,150$51,000
75th
$64,910$61,610
90th
$78,760$75,850

Premium Head-to-Head Analysis

Displacement Timeline Comparison

Machinists2028–2035
Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters2028–2035
20242030203520402045

Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters 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

Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters

$40,096

from $51,000

After adjusting for AI risk, Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters offers $4,604 more in risk-adjusted pay.

Transition Feasibility

1%

Skill Overlap

Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition

0

Unique to Machinists

0

Unique to Welders,

Combined Protection Strategy

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

Fine Manipulation
Social Intelligence
Regulatory Barriers
Decision Complexity
MachinistsWelders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
Find transitions from MachinistsFind transitions from Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters