Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Machines can already do 25% of this job's tasks. By 2035 that rises to 64%. The job changes before it disappears.
Share of the work machines can do
Worldwide baseline, 2026 to 2050
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in 2026: the short answer
- Today: machines can do 25% of this job's tasks, and AI use is already seen in 0% of them.
- Forecast: machines can do half of its tasks by 2033, and 64% by 2035, according to the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit.
- Size: 124,590 people do this job in the United States, on a median pay of $47,180 a year.
- Contact with people: it scores 63% for contact with people.
- Also called: Cell Technician, CNC Machine Setter (Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Setter), Fabrication Set-Up Person, Injection Molding Technician.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, presses, drills, or auxiliary machines, to make metallic and plastic workpieces | 16% | 20% to 60% | |
| Position, adjust, and secure stock material or workpieces against stops, on arbors, or in chucks, fixtures, or automatic feeding mechanisms, manually or using hoists | 13% | 20% to 60% | |
| Observe machine operation to detect workpiece defects or machine malfunctions, adjusting machines as necessary | 13% | 30% to 75% | |
| Inspect workpieces for defects, and measure workpieces to determine accuracy of machine operation, using rules, templates, or other measuring instruments | 12% | 20% to 60% | |
| Select, install, and adjust alignment of drills, cutters, dies, guides, and holding devices, using templates, measuring instruments, and hand tools | 7% | 20% to 60% | |
| Read blueprints or job orders to determine product specifications and tooling instructions and to plan operational sequences | 5% | 55% to 85% | |
| Remove burrs, sharp edges, rust, or scale from workpieces, using files, hand grinders, wire brushes, or power tools | 5% | 20% to 60% | |
| Change worn machine accessories, such as cutting tools or brushes, using hand tools | 4% | 20% to 60% |
The skills this job runs on
The skills multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic use most, most used first.
Safer jobs nearby
Jobs with a similar skill shape where machines can do less of the work by 2035.
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders56% of tasks by 2035 · US median $50,270
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners62% of tasks by 2035 · US median $50,060
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic60% of tasks by 2035 · US median $46,550
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic63% of tasks by 2035 · US median $50,140
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Questions
When will machines do half of the tasks of Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
Machines can do half of its tasks by 2033. That is the worldwide baseline from the 311 Workforce Starburst, before adjusting for country.
Will AI take the job of multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Machines can do 25% of the tasks of multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic today and 64% 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 51-4081.00 (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). Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: the outlook to 2050. 311 Workforce Starburst. https://www.311institute.com/jobs/multiple-machine-tool-setters-operators-and-tenders-metal-and-plastic/