Takeover Tracker

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricTool Grinders, Filers, and SharpenersCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Risk Score38.5%34.6%
Risk TierMedium RiskMedium Risk
Risk Percentile77th64th
Tasks at Risk (>50%)8 / 158 / 15
Median Salary$48,970$45,590
Employment6K174K

Skill Comparison

|

Sorted by largest difference

Controlling Machines and Processes
MathematicsAI-Vulnerable
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

Protective Factors

Higher values indicate stronger protection against AI displacement

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

27%

total discount

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

24%

total discount

Task Risk Comparison

Tasks sorted by AI automation risk — higher means more automatable

Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

8 of 15 at risk
84%Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
78%Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.
76%Inspect dies to detect defects, assess wear, and verify specifications, using micrometers, steel gauge pins, and loupes.
61%Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
59%Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

8 of 15 at risk
86%Read work orders or production schedules to determine specifications, such as materials to be used, locations of cutting lines, or dimensions and tolerances.
84%Mark identifying data on workpieces.
67%Examine completed workpieces for defects, such as chipped edges or marred surfaces and sort defective pieces according to types of flaws.
65%Start machines, monitor their operations, and record operational data.
53%Set up, operate, or tend machines to saw, cut, shear, slit, punch, crimp, notch, bend, or straighten metal or plastic material.

Wage Comparison

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earns -$3,380(-7%) vs Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Tool Grinders, Filers, and SharpenersCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
10th
$33,770$35,000
25th
$39,520$38,400
Median
$48,970$45,590
75th
$60,210$52,150
90th
$74,120$62,650

Unlock the Complete Head-to-Head Analysis

Subscribe to both occupations to unlock exclusive comparison data you can't get anywhere else.

Head-to-head task automation timeline
"Which is right for me?" personalized recommendation
Career transition paths from each job
Risk-adjusted salary comparison
Combined protective factor strategy
PDF export of full comparison
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners: Not yetCutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: Not yet