Production · SOC 51-9021
Crushing and grinding demands constant physical monitoring and adjustment — not easily automated at small-to-mid scale.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Automated sensors reduce manual data recording now, but the physical observation and immediate machine-response work in this role is difficult to automate cost-effectively at most facilities through 2030.
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$40,790 median pay
$41,230 median pay
$41,600 median pay
$48,970 median pay
$40,860 median pay
AI job-risk card
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders is 22/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
22 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Recording operational and test data on specified forms. Harder to automate: Observing equipment for continuity, safety, and flow issues, Cleaning and adjusting machinery with hand tools, Tending conveyors and pumps as part of integrated systems, Moving controls to respond to in-process material variation.
Lean into Industrial equipment operation and maintenance, Material processing fundamentals, Conveyor and pump systems, Workplace safety compliance. Consider roles such as Mineral processing technician or Industrial maintenance mechanic or Production operations supervisor.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.