Will “Machine Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

36% Chance of Automation

“Machine Operator” will probably not be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #253 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

Care to share? Click for Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or XING. 👍

Job Description

Develop programs to control machining or processing of metal or plastic parts by automatic machine tools, equipment, or systems.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-4012.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 53,560.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 25.00
Currently, there are 25,180 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers, Metal and Plastic”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Machine Operator”

Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.
Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.
Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.
Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards.
Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.
Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.
Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.
Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.
Draw machine tool paths on pattern film, using colored markers and following guidelines for tool speed and efficiency.
Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.
Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.
Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.
Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.
Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.
Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.

Related Technology & Tools

Optical comparators
Toolmaker's microscope
Vertical turret lathes VTL
Bore gauges
Adjustable squares
Vernier calipers
Vernier bevel protractors
Pin gauge sets
Vertical boring mills
Digital angle gauges
Coodinate meauring machines CMM
Transfer gages
Digital micrometers
Vertical computer numerically controlled CNC milling machines
Computer numerically controlled CNC lathes
Fillet gauges
Digital calipers
Screw pitch gauges
Thickness gauges
Wire gauges
Digital height gauges
Precision surface plates
Drill presses
Sine bars
Dial indicators

Mastercam
Dassault Systemes CATIA
MecSoft Corporation VisualTURN
FastCAM
Delcam PowerMill
LAB SUM3D
Post-processor software
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Vero Software machining STRATEGIST
G code
SharpCam Ltd. SharpCam
SmartCAMcnc SmartCAM
Celeritive Technologies VoluMill
Cimatron Group CimatronE
MecSoft Corporation VisualMILL
Metamation MetaCAM
Microsoft Excel
Computer aided design CAD software
Hypertherm ProNest
Manusoft Technologies IMOLD
GO2cam
DP Technology ESPRIT
PTC Creo Parametric
Kubotek KeyCreator Machinist
FANUC CNC
Vero Software SURFCAM
Intelitek spectraCAM Turning
EXAPT
Technos Astra R-Nesting
Delcam FeatureCAM
Vero Software WorkNC
Metalcam fikus visualcam
Vero Software SMIRTsoftware
GeoPath CAD/CAM System
SolidCAM iMachining
Extensible markup language XML
Vero Software RADAN
Open Mind Software hyperMILL
Dolphin CAD/CAM
Vero Software Alphacam Milling
Siemens NX CAM
M code
Vero Software Alphacam Turning
Microsoft Word
CGTech VERICUT CNC
Vero Software Edgecam
Tebis
Autodesk AutoCAD
Missler Software TopSolid
Gibbs and Associates GibbsCAM
BobCAD-CAM
Technos Astra S-Nesting
Metalix CAD/CAM System cncKad
Microsoft PowerPoint
Delcam PowerShape
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Gerber Technology CutWorks
MecSoft Corporation RhinoCAM
Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Ucamo Ucam
MachineWorks Ltd. MachineWorks
Delcam Partmaker
Vero Software VISI
Delcam for SolidWorks
1CadCam Unigraphics
Microsoft Office
Top Systems T-FLEX CAM
Geometric Technologies CAMWorks
Intelitek spectraCAM Milling
Sprut Technology SprutCAM
SolidCAM
ICAM CAM-POST
Vero Software PEPS