Side-by-Side Comparison
Tool and Die Makers leads 5–0| Metric | Tool and Die Makers | Machinists |
|---|---|---|
| Risk Score | 24.1% | 36.8% |
| Risk Tier | Low Risk | Medium Risk |
| Risk Percentile | 17th | 71th |
| Tasks at Risk (>50%) | 7 / 15 | 9 / 15 |
| Median Salary | $63,180 | $56,150 |
| Employment | 55K | 299K |
Skill Comparison
|
Sorted by largest difference
Design
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
Engineering and Technology
Controlling Machines and Processes
Thinking Creatively
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Mechanical
Analyzing Data or Information
Processing Information
Education and Training
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Protective Factors
Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement
Tool and Die Makers
28%
total discount
Machinists
26%
total discount
Task Risk Comparison
Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable
Tool and Die Makers
7 of 15 at risk63%Inspect finished dies for smoothness, contour conformity, and defects.
59%Verify dimensions, alignments, and clearances of finished parts for conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments such as calipers, gauge blocks, micrometers, or dial indicators.
59%Visualize and compute dimensions, sizes, shapes, and tolerances of assemblies, based on specifications.
59%Select metals to be used from a range of metals and alloys, based on properties such as hardness or heat tolerance.
57%Develop and design new tools and dies, using computer-aided design software.
Machinists
9 of 15 at risk86%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.
Wage Comparison
Machinists earns -$7,030(-11%) vs Tool and Die Makers
Tool and Die MakersMachinists
10th
$44,200$38,100
25th
$51,200$46,250
Median
$63,180$56,150
75th
$77,430$64,910
90th
$87,660$78,760
Premium Head-to-Head Analysis
Displacement Timeline Comparison
Tool and Die Makers2028–2035
Machinists2028–2035
20242030203520402045
Tool and Die Makers has a longer runway before significant displacement, projected 0 years later than Machinists.
Risk-Adjusted Salary
Salary weighted by displacement risk: salary × (1 − risk%)
Tool and Die Makers
$47,979
from $63,180
Machinists
$35,492
from $56,150
After adjusting for AI risk, Tool and Die Makers offers $12,486 more in risk-adjusted pay.
Transition Feasibility
1%
Skill Overlap
Low overlap — significant retraining needed for transition
0
Unique to Tool
0
Unique to Machinists
Combined Protection Strategy
Regardless of which path you choose, focus on these protective factors
Fine Manipulation
Decision Complexity
Creativity
Social Intelligence
Tool and Die MakersMachinists