Production · SOC 51-7042
CNC programming is a real AI-exposure point, but machine monitoring, defect response, and physical adjustment keep operators essential.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: AI-assisted CNC programming reduces setup time today, but real-time machine monitoring and adaptive response to natural material variation keeps skilled operators relevant through 2030.
Tap a skill to find courses on Coursera.
Some links are affiliate links — if you sign up or buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
$40,790 median pay
$41,230 median pay
$41,600 median pay
$48,970 median pay
$40,860 median pay
AI job-risk card
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing 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: Programming CNC woodworking machines from digital specs, Determining setup requirements from work orders. Harder to automate: Monitoring machine sounds and vibration during runs, Adjusting tables and cutting devices for in-process variation, Examining raw stock for defects before processing, Troubleshooting jams and quality deviations mid-run.
Lean into CNC machine operation and programming, Wood defect identification, Machine maintenance basics, Production quality control. Consider roles such as CNC programmer — woodworking or Manufacturing technician or Production shift lead.
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.