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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

Example of Drilling & Boring Machine Operator Job 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

  • Install tools in spindles.
  • Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
  • Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
  • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
  • Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
  • Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.

Skills Needed to be 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.

  • Drill Press Operator
  • Choke Reamer
  • Reaming Press Operator
  • Jigger
  • Metal Drill Press Operator

Is There Job Demand for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders?

In the United States, there were 12,300 jobs for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 900 job openings in this field each 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 typical yearly salary for Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders is somewhere between $24,960 and $62,680.

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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 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

Tools & Technologies Used by Metal and Plastic Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders

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

Becoming 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 Long Does it Take to Become a Drilling & Boring Machine Operator?

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

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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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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