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.
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.
Verify dimensions or check the quality or fit of pieces to ensure adherence to specifications.
Reinforce joints with nails or other fasteners to prepare articles for finishing.
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.
Draw up detailed specifications and discuss projects with customers.
Bore holes for insertion of screws or dowels, by hand or using boring machines.
Perform final touch-ups with sandpaper or steel wool.
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.
Install hardware, such as hinges, handles, catches, or drawer pulls, using hand tools.
Program computers to operate machinery.
Produce or assemble components of articles, such as store fixtures, office equipment, cabinets, or high-grade furniture.
Repair or alter wooden furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, paneling, or other pieces.
Apply Masonite, formica, or vinyl surfacing materials.
Design furniture, using computer-aided drawing programs.
Match materials for color, grain, or texture, giving attention to knots or other features of the wood.
Attach parts or subassemblies together to form completed units, using glue, dowels, nails, screws, or clamps.
Estimate the amounts, types, or costs of needed materials.
Measure and mark dimensions of parts on paper or lumber stock prior to cutting, following blueprints, to ensure a tight fit and quality product.

Related Technology & Tools

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

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