What Does it Take to Be a Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender?
Drilling & Boring Machine Operator 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: What Do They Do?
- Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.
- Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.
- Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
- 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.
- Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
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Qualities of 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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Reaming Press Operator
- Gang Drill Operator
- Metal Drill Operator
- Automatic Driller and Reamer
- Jewel Cupping Machine Operator
Are There Job Opportunities for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders?
There were about 12,300 jobs for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender in 2016 (in the United States). 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.

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 Average Salary
The typical yearly salary for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders is somewhere between $24,960 and $62,680.

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

What work experience do I need to become a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator?

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

Below are examples of industries where Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders work:

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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