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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

Drilling & Boring Machine Operator Example 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?

  • Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
  • Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
  • 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.
  • Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.
  • Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.

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

Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

Other Drilling & Boring Machine Operator Job Titles

  • Boring Mill Operator for Metal
  • Valve Seater Operator
  • Printed Circuit Boards Drill Press Operator
  • Driller and Broacher
  • Machine Operator

Job Outlook 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.

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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

Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders make between $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 & 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

What education or degrees do I need to become a Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender?

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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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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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