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.
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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.
Related Job Titles
- 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.

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.

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?

How many years of work experience do I need?

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

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

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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