Machinist

O*NET: Machinists·51-4041.00

The Verdict:Precision machining demands hands-on setup of tools and fixtures on variable parts in shop environments no robot matches today. AI augments programming and design review, letting machinists handle more complex jobs efficiently. Core physical operations, maintenance, and adaptation to custom specs remain human-driven, with steady demand ahead.

Resilience Score

/100

Resilient

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$56k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 2 of 29 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role's core work is hard to automate.
18 of 29 tasks require human judgment, presence, or trust. The 31% that are AI-leverage offer an edge — professionals who learn these tools will outperform those who don't.

2exposed

9AI leverage

18human-essential

View all 29 tasks

AI Can Handle This2 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.

Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.

AI Leverage9 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.

Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.

Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.

Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.

Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.

Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.

Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.

Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.

Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.

Human Advantage18 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.

Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.

Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.

Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.

Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.

Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.

Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.

Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.

Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.

Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.

Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.

Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics.

Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.

Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.

Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.

Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.

Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.

Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.

Resilience Landscape

Machinist lands in Stable, Lower Pay

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