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

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

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

Daily Life Of a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator

  • Install tools in spindles.
  • Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
  • Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
  • Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
  • Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
  • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.

Drilling & Boring Machine Operator Required Skills

These are the skills Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders say are the most useful in their careers:

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.

  • Gang Drill Operator
  • Valve Seater Operator
  • Punch Operator
  • Boring Mill Set Up Operator
  • Boring Machine Set Up Operator

Is There Going to be Demand 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. The BLS estimates 900 yearly job openings in this field.

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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.

Drilling & Boring Machine Operator Salary

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.

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

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

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

How to Become a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator

What education is 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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Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders Sector

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Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders work in the following 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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