AI exposure score

Machinists

Machinists score 23 out of 100, which is moderate exposure to AI. That ranks #607 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 29 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 4 on its own and 4 more with extra software built on top of it. In April–May 2026, 3 of these tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant.

23/ 100

Moderate

Rank: #607of 923 jobs
US workers: 287,050BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $58,750a year
In real AI use: 3 of 29tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 4 (14%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 4 (14%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 21 (72%)

Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Confer with numerical control programmers to check and ensure that new programs or machinery will function properly and that output will meet specifications.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Evaluate machining procedures and recommend changes or modifications for improved efficiency or adaptability.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
Confer with engineering, supervisory, or manufacturing personnel to exchange technical information.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Study sample parts, blueprints, drawings, or engineering information to determine methods or sequences of operations needed to fabricate products.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Design fixtures, tooling, or experimental parts to meet special engineering needs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Lay out, measure, and mark metal stock to display placement of cuts.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Prepare working sketches for the illustration of product appearance.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Set up, adjust, or operate basic or specialized machine tools used to perform precision machining operations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Monitor the feed and speed of machines during the machining process.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Maintain machine tools in proper operational condition.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Fit and assemble parts to make or repair machine tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Align and secure holding fixtures, cutting tools, attachments, accessories, or materials onto machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Operate equipment to verify operational efficiency.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Diagnose machine tool malfunctions to determine need for adjustments or repairs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Dispose of scrap or waste material in accordance with company policies and environmental regulations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Separate scrap waste and related materials for reuse, recycling, or disposal.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Check work pieces to ensure that they are properly lubricated or cooled.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Support metalworking projects from planning and fabrication through assembly, inspection, and testing, using knowledge of machine functions, metal properties, and mathematics.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Install repaired parts into equipment or install new equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Dismantle machines or equipment, using hand tools or power tools to examine parts for defects and replace defective parts where needed.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Test experimental models under simulated operating conditions, for purposes such as development, standardization, or feasibility of design.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Set up or operate metalworking, brazing, heat-treating, welding, or cutting equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Establish work procedures for fabricating new structural products, using a variety of metalworking machines.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Install experimental parts or assemblies, such as hydraulic systems, electrical wiring, lubricants, or batteries into machines or mechanisms.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
Advise clients about the materials being used for finished products.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use

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Questions about machinists and AI

Will AI replace machinists?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Machinists score 23 out of 100 (moderate exposure), #607 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 8 of the job's 29 tasks, 4 of them on its own, while 21 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which machinists tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Program computers or electronic instruments, such as numerically controlled machine tools"; "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".

Which machinists tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers"; "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".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Yes. In April–May 2026, 3 of the 29 tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as machinists, and what do they earn?

About 287,050 people in the US, with median pay of $58,750 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.