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Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender

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What is a Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender?

Job Description: Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.

Life As a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator

  • Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
  • Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.
  • Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
  • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
  • Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.
  • Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator?

When polled, Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Types of Drilling & Boring Machine Operator Jobs

  • Printed Circuit Boards Drill Press Operator
  • Driller and Reamer
  • Manufacturing Operator
  • Countersinker
  • Radial Drill Operator

Drilling & Boring Machine Operator Employment Estimates

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 12,300 jobs in the United States for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 900 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Drilling & Boring Machine Operator are Georgia, Idaho, and South Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Massachusetts, Alabama, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Salary for a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator

The average yearly salary of a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator ranges between $24,960 and $62,680.

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Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders who work in Connecticut, Nevada, or Maryland, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $41,480
Arizona $35,710
Arkansas $38,030
California $39,330
Colorado $41,540
Connecticut $52,970
Georgia $37,080
Illinois $39,220
Indiana $36,150
Iowa $44,790
Kansas $40,170
Kentucky $38,500
Louisiana $49,660
Maryland $52,070
Massachusetts $50,040
Michigan $40,230
Minnesota $36,360
Mississippi $28,990
Missouri $35,110
Nevada $53,930
New Hampshire $38,350
New Jersey $47,780
New York $34,560
North Carolina $35,140
Ohio $42,940
Oklahoma $39,680
Oregon $48,990
Pennsylvania $38,100
South Carolina $39,940
South Dakota $35,410
Tennessee $36,290
Texas $49,130
Virginia $43,990
Wisconsin $45,530

Tools & Technologies Used by Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • SAP
  • Computerized numerical control CNC software
  • Automated inventory software

Becoming a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator

What kind of Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender requirements are there?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator?

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Where do Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders Work?

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The table below shows the approximate number of Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders employed by various industries.

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References:

Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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