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.
Featured schools near , edit
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.

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.

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?

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

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

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.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |