UK AI Job-Risk Index · SOC 2010 8111
Ranks #244 of 293 for AI exposure (1 = most exposed)
How exposed to AI are food, drink and tobacco process operatives?
21/100
AI exposure score (percentile across all 365 occupations DfE scored)
Low#244
of 293 UK occupations (1 = most exposed)
£21,714
median full-time pay (ONS ASHE 2020) · 140,000 employee jobs
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives sits in the low exposure band: its abilities overlap with current AI applications more than about 21% of the 365 UK occupations the Department for Education scored. Lower exposure usually means more of the work depends on physical, practical or in-person abilities that current AI applications do not cover well. It does not mean the job will be untouched by technology.
Underlying scores: AIOE (all AI) -1.00, LLM exposure -1.10 (standardised; 0 is the average occupation). Skill level: Level 2. Pay and job counts are 2020 figures, so use them to compare occupations rather than as current salaries.
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Job titles in this occupation
Titles the ONS SOC 2010 coding index places in unit group 8111 (30 of 257 shown). If your job title is here, this page uses the right figures for you.
icer · brewer · briner · rouser · churner · concher · freezer · mashman · brineman · cellarer · cobberer · juiceman · kipperer · malt man · maltster · perryman · silksman · dough man · fermenter · jam maker · pie maker · slab hand · yeast man · beer finer · cake mixer · conche man · dry salter · finingsman · food mixer · lard maker
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Lower-risk related jobs
Occupations in the same SOC 2010 sub-major group with a lower AI exposure score, highest-paid first. Pay difference is against £21,714 (ONS ASHE 2020 median, full-time). Switching usually needs retraining; this is a starting point, not advice.
| Occupation | Exposure | Median pay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rail construction and maintenance operatives | 12/100 | £35,333 | +£13,619 |
| Scaffolders, stagers and riggers | 8/100 | £34,176 | +£12,462 |
| Road construction operatives | 5/100 | £30,535 | +£8,821 |
| Process operatives n.e.c. | 7/100 | £27,800 | +£6,086 |
| Metal making and treating process operatives | 15/100 | £26,606 | +£4,892 |
Occupations with similar exposure
- Housekeepers and related occupations (21/100)
- Assemblers (electrical and electronic products) (21/100)
- Printing machine assistants (22/100)
- Kitchen and catering assistants (21/100)
← #243 Housekeepers and related occupations · #245 Assemblers (electrical and electronic products) →
FAQ: Food, drink and tobacco process operatives and AI
Will AI replace food, drink and tobacco process operatives?
The index does not predict job losses. Food, drink and tobacco process operatives has an AI exposure score of 21/100 (low band), ranking #244 of 293 UK occupations, where 1 is the most exposed. Lower exposure means more of the work relies on abilities current AI applications cover less well.
How does this compare with similar jobs?
Food, drink and tobacco process operatives is one of 24 occupations in its SOC 2010 sub-major group in the index; 8 of the others are more exposed to AI.
How much do food, drink and tobacco process operatives earn?
Median gross annual pay for full-time employees was £21,714 in ONS ASHE 2020 (Table 14), across about 140,000 employee jobs. These are 2020 figures, so use them to compare jobs rather than as current salaries.
Which related jobs are less exposed to AI?
In the same sub-major group, lower-exposure occupations include Rail construction and maintenance operatives (12/100, £35,333), Scaffolders, stagers and riggers (8/100, £34,176), Road construction operatives (5/100, £30,535).
Where does this data come from?
AI exposure uses Department for Education (2023) AI Occupational Exposure (AIOE) scores; pay and job counts come from ONS ASHE 2020. Job titles come from the ONS SOC 2010 coding index.
Source: Department for Education (2023), The impact of AI on UK jobs and training (AIOE scores); ONS ASHE 2020 Table 14; job titles from the ONS SOC 2010 coding index (v7). Exposure is not a prediction of job loss. Methodology · Embed this data
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