AI exposure Production
Will AI replace computer numerically controlled tool programmers?
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers. US occupation 51-9162.
The reading
12.1%
of the time computer numerically controlled tool programmers spend on their work goes on tasks where AI is already being used to do that work.of computer numerically controlled tool programmers' working hours go on tasks AI has already started taking off their plate.
Ranked 165 of 756 US occupations. More exposed than 78% of them.Further along than 78% of them.
Per cent of working time Square-law scale
Average US job 7.7%
Well above the typical job.Ahead of most of the workforce.
What AI already does for computer numerically controlled tool programmersWhat computer numerically controlled tool programmers no longer do alone
O*NET lists 15 tasks for computer numerically controlled tool programmers. AI use at work shows up in 2 of them. Each score runs from 0.5, where every observed use helps a person with the task, to 1, where every use does the task outright.
- Revise programs or tapes to eliminate errors, and retest programs to check that problems have been solved.Core task mostly automated 0.97
- Modify existing programs to enhance efficiency.Core task mostly automated 0.92
What it does not touch, yetWhat still needs a human
13 of the 15 tasks show no AI use at work in the data.
- Analyze job orders, drawings, blueprints, specifications, printed circuit board pattern films, and design data to calculate dimensions, tool selection, machine speeds, and feed rates.Core task
- Compare encoded tapes or computer printouts with original part specifications and blueprints to verify accuracy of instructions.Core task
- Determine reference points, machine cutting paths, or hole locations, and compute angular and linear dimensions, radii, and curvatures.Core task
- Determine the sequence of machine operations, and select the proper cutting tools needed to machine workpieces into the desired shapes.Core task
- Enter computer commands to store or retrieve parts patterns, graphic displays, or programs that transfer data to other media.Core task
- Enter coordinates of hole locations into program memories by depressing pedals or buttons of programmers.Core task
Show the other 7
- Observe machines on trial runs or conduct computer simulations to ensure that programs and machinery will function properly and produce items that meet specifications.Core task
- Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on machines.Core task
- Prepare geometric layouts from graphic displays, using computer-assisted drafting software or drafting instruments and graph paper.Core task
- Sort shop orders into groups to maximize materials utilization and minimize machine setup time.Core task
- Write programs in the language of a machine's controller and store programs on media, such as punch tapes, magnetic tapes, or disks.Core task
- Align and secure pattern film on reference tables of optical programmers, and observe enlarger scope views of printed circuit boards.
- Write instruction sheets and cutter lists for a machine's controller to guide setup and encode numerical control tapes.
How that compares
Among the 98 production occupations, computer numerically controlled tool programmers rank 1. The group averages 0.8%. The average US occupation sits at 7.7%.
Just above in the ranking
- 163Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers 12.3%
- 164Lodging Managers 12.2%
- 165Compliance Officers 12.1%
Just below
What this does and does not mean
Exposure is observed use, not a forecast. Anthropic maps work conversations with Claude onto the tasks O*NET lists for each job and asks, of the tasks AI could speed up, which are actually being used for at work. A use that does the task outright counts in full and a use that assists a person counts half. The task scores are averaged into the occupation figure by the share of time spent on each task.
A high figure means AI is already part of how this work gets done. It does not mean anyone has been replaced. Anthropic's own reading of the labour market finds no systematic rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting exposed jobs.No measurable rise in unemployment among exposed workers so far, and about 14% fewer 22 to 25 year olds starting these jobs. Gap years for everyone. Labor market impacts, 5 March 2026.
Task list and titles from O*NET 31.0 by the US Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Scores from the Anthropic Economic Index (CC BY). Checked 1 November 2026. How the ranking works.