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🇬🇧 UKSOC 5222· Skilled Metal, Electrical and Electronic Trades

Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out

Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out mark out metal for machining and fit, assemble and repair machine and press tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other tools.

Die makerEngineer-toolmakerJig makerMarker-out (engineering)Tool engineerTool fitterTool maker
£38,584
median salary
4,300
currently employed
9,487
projected 2035
Declining
5 tasks scored1 AI Assists4 Human-Led

Task Bundle Breakdown

How AI interacts with this occupation's task bundle

20%
80%
0%
AI automates
20%
AI assists
80%
Human-led

Task-by-Task Breakdown

Every task scored individually — sorted highest to lowest AI exposure

56

examines drawings and specifications to determine appropriate method and sequence of operations

AI Assists

AI tools like AutoCAD AI and Fusion 360 can parse and interpret technical drawings, suggest operation sequences, and flag potential issues, but a skilled human must validate and adapt these to real workshop conditions.

33

operates hand and machine tools to shape workpieces to specifications and checks accuracy of machining

Human-Led

CNC machine AI (e.g., Siemens NX CAM) can generate toolpaths and optimise cutting parameters, but operating hand tools, monitoring machining, and checking accuracy still demands skilled human presence and judgment.

33

assembles prepared parts, checks their alignment with micrometers, optical projectors and other measuring equipment and adjusts as necessary

Human-Led

Computer vision systems can assist with dimensional inspection and alignment checking, but the physical assembly, adjustment, and use of precision measuring equipment remain firmly in the hands of a skilled fitter.

22

marks out reference points using measuring instruments and tools such as punches, rules and squares

Human-Led

Physical marking out requires hands-on dexterity, tactile judgment, and precise manual use of instruments; AI can assist with calculating reference coordinates but cannot perform the physical marking itself.

22

repairs damaged or worn tools

Human-Led

AI-powered predictive maintenance tools can help diagnose wear patterns and suggest repair approaches, but the physical repair work—grinding, fitting, and refurbishing damaged tooling—requires hands-on craft skill.

ROI Calculator

Tool makers, tool fitters and markers-out

4.5hrs
saved per week
216hrs
per year ≈ 5.8 weeks
£4,630
salary-equivalent capacity freed per year

This is not a pay rise — it's 216 hours of productive capacity that AI could return to you, valued at your current rate.

£7,717
value at risk — 20% of role exposed to AI

The portion of your current salary tied to tasks AI can automate or augment. Not a prediction of job loss — a signal of where your role is changing fastest.

How is this calculated?▾

Task weights — each task is weighted by its O*NET frequency rating. Where frequency data is absent, equal weighting is applied.

AI time reduction — tasks scored as "AI Automates" assume 80% time saving; "AI Assists" assumes 40%; "Human-Led" assumes 5%.

Salary equivalent — annual hours saved × (salary ÷ 1,800 working hours/year).

Value at risk — salary × share of role time in AI-automate or AI-assist tasks.

Figures are indicative estimates for planning purposes, not guarantees of productivity gain or job loss risk.