Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic
Develop programs to control machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.
AI Impact Summary
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic faces moderate AI displacement risk with a score of 43/100. This occupation has higher AI displacement risk than 88% of all analyzed occupations. Of 17 analyzed tasks, 6 are highly automatable, particularly routine cognitive tasks. Strong protective factors — including social intelligence, creativity, or regulatory barriers — significantly reduce effective risk.
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
High reliance on Programming is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
AI-Augmented Skills (7)
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
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Upskill to Reduce Risk
Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills
IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate
by IBM
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AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Creative Writing Specialization
by Wesleyan University
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Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Leading People and Teams Specialization
by University of Michigan
Estimated Impact
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Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
How AI Impacts Each Task
17 tasks analyzed
Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.
Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
Draw machine tool paths on pattern film, using colored markers and following guidelines for tool speed and efficiency.
Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.
Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards.
Order tooling for jobs.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks. | 65.7Observed | 53.3% | 15% | |
| Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes. | 69Estimated | 54.6% | 10% | |
| Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved. | 62.95Observed | 52.2% | 10% | |
| Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates. | 69Estimated | 54.6% | 12% | |
| Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 5% | |
| Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications. | 60Estimated | 51.0% | 8% | |
| Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 5% | |
| Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 3% | |
| Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency. | 61.68Observed | 51.7% | 8% | |
| Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures. | 69Estimated | 54.6% | 8% | |
| Draw machine tool paths on pattern film, using colored markers and following guidelines for tool speed and efficiency. | 75Estimated | 63.0% | 2% | |
| Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time. | 95Estimated | 87.2% | 3% | |
| Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers. | 75Estimated | 63.0% | 2% | |
| Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 3% | |
| Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 2% | |
| Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 2% | |
| Order tooling for jobs. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 2% |
Protective Factors
Total protective discount: 27.4%
Essential Soft Skills
Traits that are hard for AI to replicate
Explore other career paths
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Alternate Career Paths
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Electrical Engineering Technicians
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Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
27%Median salary: $71,300
Higher risk than 24% of other occupations
Model Makers, Metal and Plastic
28%Median salary: $62,700
Higher risk than 30% of other occupations
Mechanical Engineering Technicians
31%Median salary: $68,730
Higher risk than 46% of other occupations
Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic
32%Median salary: $54,540
Higher risk than 48% of other occupations
Electronics Engineering Technicians
36%Median salary: $77,180
Higher risk than 67% of other occupations
Machinists
37%Median salary: $56,150
Higher risk than 71% of other occupations
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic
40%Higher risk than 80% of other occupations
Manufacturing Production Technicians
40%Median salary: $77,390
Higher risk than 82% of other occupations
Recommendations
Skills to Develop
These skills are at risk from AI automation. Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic professionals should diversify beyond them.
- Programming
High reliance on Programming is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Information Ordering
High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Reading Comprehension
High reliance on Reading Comprehension is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
- Mathematics
High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Skills to Leverage
These human-centric skills remain difficult for AI to replicate. Double down here.
- Adaptability/Flexibility
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Leadership
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Coordination
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
- Equipment Maintenance
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Tools to Adopt
AI can amplify these skills. Learn the tools that augment rather than replace your work.
- Monitoring
Monitoring will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Writing
Writing will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Active Learning
Active Learning will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
- Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making will be enhanced by AI. Develop expertise in using AI tools for this skill to increase productivity.
Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
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