UK AI Job-Risk Index · SOC 2010 8129
Ranks #259 of 293 for AI exposure (1 = most exposed)
How exposed to AI are plant and machine operatives n.e.c.?
14/100
AI exposure score (percentile across all 365 occupations DfE scored)
Very low#259
of 293 UK occupations (1 = most exposed)
£25,855
median full-time pay (ONS ASHE 2020) · 11,000 employee jobs
Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. sits in the very low exposure band: its abilities overlap with current AI applications more than about 14% 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) -1.29, LLM exposure -1.36 (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 8129 (30 of 224 shown). If your job title is here, this page uses the right figures for you.
oiler · cutler · fasher · forker · hafter · veiner · greaser · joggler · pumpman · stubber · keysmith · pumpsman · compo man · die caser · key smith · pen maker · saw maker · saw smith · bar feeder · bolt maker · cold smith · hot sawyer · loom oiler · lubricator · pin setter · saw backer · saw doctor · saw setter · tack maker · tool filer
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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 £25,855 (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 | +£9,478 |
| Scaffolders, stagers and riggers | 8/100 | £34,176 | +£8,321 |
| Road construction operatives | 5/100 | £30,535 | +£4,680 |
| Process operatives n.e.c. | 7/100 | £27,800 | +£1,945 |
| Construction operatives n.e.c. | 10/100 | £26,418 | +£563 |
Occupations with similar exposure
- Paper and wood machine operatives (14/100)
- Metal working production and maintenance fitters (14/100)
- Van drivers (13/100)
- Welding trades (13/100)
← #258 Paper and wood machine operatives · #260 Van drivers →
FAQ: Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. and AI
Will AI replace plant and machine operatives n.e.c.?
The index does not predict job losses. Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. has an AI exposure score of 14/100 (very low band), ranking #259 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?
Plant and machine operatives n.e.c. is one of 24 occupations in its SOC 2010 sub-major group in the index; 15 of the others are more exposed to AI.
How much do plant and machine operatives n.e.c. earn?
Median gross annual pay for full-time employees was £25,855 in ONS ASHE 2020 (Table 14), across about 11,000 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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