Transportation · SOC 53-7063
Feeding materials into automated machines is increasingly automated itself, but inspection and maintenance tasks persist.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: Robotic loading arms and automated feeders are being retrofitted into high-volume production lines now; roles in low-volume or specialty manufacturing will be slower to automate.
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$58,490 median pay
$34,600 median pay
Transportation
$74,080 median pay
$85,540 median pay
AI job-risk card
Machine Feeders and Offbearers is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Machine Feeders and Offbearers is 34/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
34 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: Loading standardized materials onto conveyors or into machines, Recording production counts and operational data, Monitoring machine run cycles for simple stop/start control. Harder to automate: Inspecting materials for defects requiring judgment, Clearing jams and handling irregular feedstocks, Cleaning and performing basic machine maintenance.
Lean into Industrial automation fundamentals, Machine vision quality inspection, Preventive maintenance, Lean manufacturing principles. Consider roles such as CNC or automated equipment operator or Quality control inspector or Manufacturing technician.
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.