Helpers--Production Workers
Machines can already do 26% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 66%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Helpers--Production Workers in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 26% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 4% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2032, and 66% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 165,700 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $39,070 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 66% for contact with people.
- Also called: Assembly Line Worker, Control Room Helper, Laminator Helper, Machine Helper.
Updated by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit. These are worldwide baseline figures; the Workforce Starburst shows them for your country. Go deeper: How ready am I? or an executive briefing.
How the work changes, task by task
The tasks that take up most of the day, with the share of each that machines can do in 2026 (dark) and 2035 (pink). Worldwide baseline.
| Task | Share of the day | Machines can do | 2026 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Load and unload items from machines, conveyors, and conveyances | 11% | 20% to 60% | |
| Operate machinery used in the production process, or assist machine operators | 7% | 20% to 60% | |
| Help production workers by performing duties of lesser skill, such as supplying or holding materials or tools, or cleaning work areas and equipment | 7% | 30% to 75% | |
| Pack and store materials and products | 6% | 20% to 60% | |
| Place products in equipment or on work surfaces for further processing, inspecting, or wrapping | 6% | 30% to 75% | |
| Transfer finished products, raw materials, tools, or equipment between storage and work areas of plants and warehouses, by hand or using hand trucks or powered lift trucks | 6% | 30% to 75% | |
| Lift raw materials, finished products, and packed items, manually or using hoists | 5% | 30% to 75% | |
| Remove products, machine attachments, or waste material from machines | 5% | 30% to 75% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills helpers--production workers use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products61% of tasks by 2035 · US median $35,730
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic59% of tasks by 2035 · US median $46,170
- Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders62% of tasks by 2035 · US median $35,650
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials56% of tasks by 2035 · US median $35,060
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Helpers--Production Workers?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2032. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of helpers--production workers?
Machines can do 26% of the tasks of helpers--production workers today and 66% by 2035. The job changes before it disappears: the routine tasks move first.
Sources and citing
Tasks and their share of the day: O*NET 31.0, occupation 51-9198.00 (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0). Pay and jobs: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. AI use today: Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Scoring and forecast: the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit; after 2035 the figures extend each trend, with lower confidence. Foresight, not advice.
Cite as: 311 Institute (2026). Helpers--Production Workers: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/helpers-production-workers/