Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic
Lay out reference points and dimensions on metal or plastic stock or workpieces, such as sheets, plates, tubes, structural shapes, castings, or machine parts, for further processing. Includes shipfitters.
How AI Impacts Each Task
14 tasks analyzed
Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills.
Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules.
Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled.
Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators.
Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals.
Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames.
Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips.
Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly.
Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding.
Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates.
Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications.
Add dimensional details to blueprints or drawings made by other workers.
Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal.
Apply pigment to layout surfaces, using paint brushes.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mark curves, lines, holes, dimensions, and welding symbols onto workpieces, using scribes, soapstones, punches, and hand drills. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 10% | |
| Plan locations and sequences of cutting, drilling, bending, rolling, punching, and welding operations, using compasses, protractors, dividers, and rules. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 10% | |
| Fit and align fabricated parts to be welded or assembled. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 10% | |
| Locate center lines and verify template positions, using measuring instruments such as gauge blocks, height gauges, and dial indicators. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 8% | |
| Plan and develop layouts from blueprints and templates, applying knowledge of trigonometry, design, effects of heat, and properties of metals. | 65Estimated | 53.0% | 10% | |
| Lay out and fabricate metal structural parts such as plates, bulkheads, and frames. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 10% | |
| Install doors, hatches, brackets, and clips. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| Compute layout dimensions, and determine and mark reference points on metal stock or workpieces for further processing, such as welding and assembly. | 87Estimated | 84.0% | 10% | |
| Brace parts in position within hulls or ships for riveting or welding. | 5Estimated | 11.0% | 5% | |
| Lift and position workpieces in relation to surface plates, manually or with hoists, and using parallel blocks and angle plates. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 8% | |
| Inspect machined parts to verify conformance to specifications. | 75Estimated | 63.0% | 5% | |
| Add dimensional details to blueprints or drawings made by other workers. | 92Estimated | 86.0% | 4% | |
| Design and prepare templates of wood, paper, or metal. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 3% | |
| Apply pigment to layout surfaces, using paint brushes. | 40Estimated | 49.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
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 Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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.
Coordination 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.
Persuasion is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Recommended Courses
Courses matched to Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.
Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.
Upskill to Reduce Risk
Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills
Machine Learning Specialization
by Stanford / DeepLearning.AI
Estimated Impact
AI-Augmentation Tools
Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity
Cybersecurity Fundamentals Path
by Pluralsight
Estimated Impact
Strengthen Your Edge
Double down on skills AI can't replicate
Leading People and Teams Specialization
by University of Michigan
Estimated Impact
We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.
Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.
Alternate Career Paths
See all transitionsAdvertising and Promotions Managers
31%Higher risk than 43% of other occupations
Chief Executives
26%Higher risk than 23% of other occupations
Computer and Information Systems Managers
31%Higher risk than 45% of other occupations
Construction Carpenters
21%Median salary: $59,310
Higher risk than 8% of other occupations
General and Operations Managers
28%Higher risk than 29% of other occupations
Marketing Managers
30%Higher risk than 38% of other occupations
Molding and Casting Workers
37%Median salary: $45,690
Higher risk than 72% of other occupations
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
38%Median salary: $46,060
Higher risk than 75% of other occupations
Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons
20%Median salary: $58,540
Higher risk than 7% of other occupations
Rough Carpenters
23%Median salary: $59,310
Higher risk than 15% of other occupations
Sales Managers
25%Higher risk than 20% of other occupations
Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
34%Median salary: $39,950
Higher risk than 63% of other occupations
Sheet Metal Workers
24%Median salary: $60,850
Higher risk than 17% of other occupations
Terrazzo Workers and Finishers
21%Median salary: $57,260
Higher risk than 9% of other occupations
Tile and Marble Setters
26%Median salary: $52,240
Higher risk than 23% of other occupations
Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters
21%Median salary: $51,000
Higher risk than 10% of other occupations
Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
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
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis