Skip to content
High Risk Declining

Machine Operator

Machine operators set up, monitor, and control machinery used in manufacturing processes to produce parts and products.

$42,000
Median Salary
950,000
Total Employed
3
Career Transitions
AI Risk Score
0 %
High Risk

Higher risk than 87% of jobs in our database

How we calculate this score →
Pivot Score 49/100

Moderate pivot potential — some transitions require new skills.

Share

Automation Risk Analysis

Real-time market signals

AI Can Do This Today
7/10 High
Job Postings
-18%
since 2021
Automation Timeline
3-6 years
until major impact

Why This Job Is At Risk

CNC automation reducing need for manual machine operation

Smart manufacturing systems self-adjusting without human input

Industry 4.0 initiatives prioritizing automated production lines

Predictive maintenance AI reducing operator troubleshooting roles

Leaving This Role: 200K-350K as smart factories scale
Competition Level: Moderate - specialized skills transfer well
Your Head Start: Strong - learn programming before displacement wave

Don't panic. Here's your plan.

Get Your Personal Action Plan

Job Market Data

Real trends from multiple job platforms

Moderate Demand
Current Employment
277.1K
BLS (2026)
Projected Growth
0%
2024-2034
Annual Openings
0
per year (growth + replacements)

Listing Trends

4 sources tracked
🇺🇸 United States
55.1K listings
Adzuna (55.1K)
🇩🇪 Germany
18.3K listings
Adzuna (11.3K) Arbeitsagentur (7K)
🇫🇷 France
1.3K listings
Adzuna (102) France Travail (1.2K)
🇪🇸 Spain
241 listings
Adzuna (241)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
4.6K listings
Adzuna (4K) Reed (634)
Sources: AdzunaArbeitsagenturFrance TravailReed
Updated Feb 25, 2026

Career Transitions

Safe career paths based on your existing skills

CNC Machinist

3-6 months
48%
Salary Change +24%
Skill Overlap
75%

Skills to Learn

CNC ProgrammingCAD/CAM SoftwarePrecision Measurement

Production Supervisor

6-12 months
28%
Salary Change +55%
Skill Overlap
60%

Skills to Learn

Team LeadershipProduction PlanningSafety Management

Robotics Maintenance Technician

6-12 months
30%
Salary Change +40%
Skill Overlap
55%

Skills to Learn

Robotics BasicsElectrical SystemsPLC Programming

Essential Reading

Deepen your knowledge with these recommended books.

Machining For Dummies

Kip Hanson

"Accessible introduction to CNC and manual machining. Great for expanding skills beyond single-machine operation."

Get This Book

Total Productive Maintenance

Seiichi Nakajima

"TPM methodology that transforms operators into equipment experts. Key for advancement in manufacturing."

Get This Book

CNC Machining Handbook: Basic Theory, Production Data, and Machining Procedures

James Madison

"Complete reference for CNC programmers, engineers, and operators covering basic theory, production data, and machining procedures. James Madison is a CNC machining expert. Provides ready reference for day-to-day operations. Industrial Press publication - essential for machine operators working with CNC equipment."

Get This Book

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This doesn't affect our recommendations.

Recommended Courses

Start your transition today with these courses

★ Start Here Top Rated

CNC Programming Masterclass

Udemy

Duration 18 hours
Price $29.99
Rating ★ 4.7

Skills You'll Learn

G-CodeM-CodeTool Path ProgrammingCAM Software
Enroll Now →

Manufacturing Leadership Certificate

Coursera

Duration 6 months
Price $49/month
Rating ★ 4.5

Skills You'll Learn

Production ManagementLean ManufacturingTeam Leadership
Enroll Now →

PLC Programming Fundamentals

LinkedIn Learning

Duration 5 hours
Price $29.99/month
Rating ★ 4.6

Skills You'll Learn

Ladder LogicIndustrial AutomationHMI Basics
Enroll Now →

Related Jobs

Similar careers you might want to explore

97%

Telemarketer

$31,320
87%

Bank Teller

$37,110
85%

Truck Driver

$54,320
83%

Insurance Underwriter

$78,780
Back All Jobs

Success! Here's your free guide:

Download AI Pivot Playbook (PDF) →

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.