AI exposure score

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic score 16 out of 100, which is low exposure to AI. That ranks #676 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 16 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 2 on its own and 1 more with extra software built on top of it. None of its tasks showed up in real AI use in April–May 2026.

16/ 100

Low

Rank: #676of 923 jobs
US workers: 2,610BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $63,340a year
In real AI use: 0 of 16tasks, April–May 2026

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (13%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 1 (6%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 13 (81%)

Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Align, fit, and join parts, using bolts and screws or by welding or gluing.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Assemble mechanical, electrical, and electronic components into models or prototypes, using hand tools, power tools, and fabricating machines.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Consult and confer with engineering personnel to discuss developmental problems and to recommend product modifications.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Record specifications, production operations, and final dimensions of models for use in establishing operating standards and procedures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Wire and solder electrical and electronic connections and components.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

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Questions about model makers, metal and plastic and AI

Will AI replace model makers, metal and plastic?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Model Makers, Metal and Plastic score 16 out of 100 (low exposure), #676 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 3 of the job's 16 tasks, 2 of them on its own, while 13 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which model makers, metal and plastic tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts"; "Use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software or hardware to fabricate model parts".

Which model makers, metal and plastic tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers"; "Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools"; "Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Not much yet. None of the job's tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude in April–May 2026, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as model makers, metal and plastic, and what do they earn?

About 2,610 people in the US, with median pay of $63,340 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.

Model Makers, Metal and Plastic

Task by task

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Questions about model makers, metal and plastic and AI

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