UK AI Job-Risk Index · SOC 2010 5221
Ranks #237 of 293 for AI exposure (1 = most exposed)
How exposed to AI are metal machining setters and setter-operators?
23/100
AI exposure score (percentile across all 365 occupations DfE scored)
Low#237
of 293 UK occupations (1 = most exposed)
£29,548
median full-time pay (ONS ASHE 2020) · 58,000 employee jobs
Metal machining setters and setter-operators sits in the low exposure band: its abilities overlap with current AI applications more than about 23% 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) -0.96, LLM exposure -1.12 (standardised; 0 is the average occupation). Skill level: Level 3. 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 5221 (30 of 142 shown). If your job title is here, this page uses the right figures for you.
turner · grinder · jig borer · nc miller · bush maker · cnc miller · cnc setter · die miller · die planer · die setter · die turner · gun turner · iron borer · jig setter · toolsetter · tyre borer · air driller · axle turner · gear cutter · hob grinder · jig grinder · loom turner · pin driller · rim driller · ring turner · roll turner · saw grinder · tip driller · tool miller · tool setter
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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 £29,548 (ONS ASHE 2020 median, full-time). Switching usually needs retraining; this is a starting point, not advice.
| Occupation | Exposure | Median pay | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal working production and maintenance fitters | 14/100 | £32,934 | +£3,386 |
| Vehicle paint technicians | 6/100 | £29,827 | +£279 |
| Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians | 18/100 | £29,125 | −£423 |
| Welding trades | 13/100 | £28,320 | −£1,228 |
| Sheet metal workers | 12/100 | £25,913 | −£3,635 |
Occupations with similar exposure
- Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c. (23/100)
- Shelf fillers (23/100)
- Construction and building trades n.e.c. (22/100)
- Printers (24/100)
← #236 Printers · #238 Assemblers and routine operatives n.e.c. →
FAQ: Metal machining setters and setter-operators and AI
Will AI replace metal machining setters and setter-operators?
The index does not predict job losses. Metal machining setters and setter-operators has an AI exposure score of 23/100 (low band), ranking #237 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?
Metal machining setters and setter-operators is one of 13 occupations in its SOC 2010 sub-major group in the index; 7 of the others are more exposed to AI.
How much do metal machining setters and setter-operators earn?
Median gross annual pay for full-time employees was £29,548 in ONS ASHE 2020 (Table 14), across about 58,000 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 Metal working production and maintenance fitters (14/100, £32,934), Vehicle paint technicians (6/100, £29,827), Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians (18/100, £29,125).
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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