Will “Machine Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

92% Chance of Automation

“Machine Operator” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #566 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Cut, shape, and assemble wooden articles or set up and operate a variety of woodworking machines, such as power saws, jointers, and mortisers to surface, cut, or shape lumber or to fabricate parts for wood products.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-7011.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 34,800.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 16.00
Currently, there are 97,980 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Machine Operator”

Trim, sand, or scrape surfaces or joints to prepare articles for finishing.
Program computers to operate machinery.
Design furniture, using computer-aided drawing programs.
Produce or assemble components of articles, such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, or high-grade furniture.
Verify dimensions or check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.
Dip, brush, or spray assembled articles with protective or decorative finishes, such as stain, varnish, paint, or lacquer.
Set up or operate machines, including power saws, jointers, mortisers, tenoners, molders, or shapers, to cut, mold, or shape woodstock or wood substitutes.
Establish the specifications of articles to be constructed or repaired or plan the methods or operations for shaping or assembling parts, based on blueprints, drawings, diagrams, or oral or written instructions.
Apply Masonite, formica, or vinyl surfacing materials.
Install hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.
Perform final touch-ups with sandpaper or steel wool.
Repair or alter wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, paneling, or other pieces.
Cut timber to the right size and shape and trim parts of joints to ensure a snug fit, using hand tools, such as planes, chisels, or wood files.
Estimate the amounts, types, or costs of needed materials.
Reinforce joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing.
Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.
Match materials for color, grain, or texture, giving attention to knots or other features of the wood.
Bore holes for insertion of screws or dowels, by hand or using boring machines.
Measure and mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock prior to cutting, following blueprints, to ensure a tight fit and quality product.
Draw up detailed specifications and discuss projects with customers.

Related Technology & Tools

Panel saws
Utility knives
Single spindle drill presses
T-squares
Rip saws
Random orbital sanders
Miter clamps
Staple guns
Edge banders
Mini lathes
Hot presses
Awls
Thickness planers
Marking knives
Marking gauges
Table saws
Power screwguns
Morticers
Bowl lathes
Moisture meters
Cutoff saws
Edge sanders
Heated putty knives
Pin nailers
Power drills
Tenoners
Power saws
Power routers
Wide belt sanders
Skew chisels
Steel rules
Circular saws
Bench grinders
Biscuit joiners
T-bevels
Precision levels
Scroll saws
Computerized numerical control CNC machining centers
Putty knives
Bench vises
Computerized numerical control CNC routers
Power sanders
Adjustable hand wrenches
Biscuit joining machines
Fingernail gouges
Metal punches
Hand screw wood clamps
Mill files
Lacquer booths
Burn-in knives
Set squares
Sliding table saws
Roughing gouges
Jack planes
Cam clamps
Laminate trimmers
Hand saws
Spring clamps
Drill presses
Panel routers
Locking C-clamps
Scribers
Saber saws
Locking pliers
Jointers
Measuring tapes
Disk sanders
Tool sharpeners
Portable routers
Phillips head screwdrivers
Plate jointers
Wedge clamps
Bench dogs
Digital micrometers
Dial calipers
Combination squares
Table routers
Minipresses
Hand augers
Pneumatic staplers
Edging clamps
Overarm routers
Cold presses
Safety goggles
Spokeshaves
Miter saws
Trammel points
Back saws
Profile grinders
Parting tools
Circular planes
Block planes
Safety glasses
Combination planes
Profile molders
Straight screwdrivers
Bandsaws
Case clamps
Bowl gouges
Band clamps
Paint application brushes
Bastard flat files
Parallel jaw clamps
Dovetail saws
Slide calipers
Viscosity cups
Smooth planes
Sliding panel saws
Tenon saws
Pneumatic nail guns
Paint spray guns
Radial drills
Plumb bobs
Layout squares
Draw knives
Dividers
Machinists' squares
Veneer saws
Fore planes
Adjustable jigs
Spindle shapers
Reciprocating saws
Bar clamps
Nail guns
Mallets
Line borers
Jointer planes
Jig saws
Belt sanders
Wood lathes
Drafting compasses
Chop saws
Braces and bits
Metal shears
Paint application rollers
Radial arm saws
Plunge routers
Boring machines
Hand sanding blocks
Personal computers
Angle dividers
Carpentry chisels
Shapers
Protective ear plugs
Wood files
Claw hammers
Power planers
Water wheels
Templates
Scrapers
Quick-release clamps

Computer aided design CAD software
Computer estimation software
Microsoft Excel
Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Outlook
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Data entry software