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

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

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

A Day in the Life of a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator

  • Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
  • Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
  • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
  • Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
  • Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.
  • Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.

Things a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator Should Know How to Do

Below is a list of the skills most Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders say are important on the job.

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.

  • Multiple Drill Operator
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  • Tool Radial Drill Press Set-Up Operator
  • Drill Setup Operator

Are There Job Opportunities for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

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. There will be an estimated 900 positions for Drilling & Boring Machine Operator per 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.

Do Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders Make A Lot Of Money?

The salary for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders ranges between about $24,960 and $62,680 a year.

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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.

How much do Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in each U.S. state?

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

What Tools & Technology do Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders may use on a daily basis:

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

How to Become a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator

Education needed to be a Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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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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