Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4032Also known as:
Automatic Driller and Reamer, Automatic Drilling Machine Operator, Barrel Driller, Billet Driller, Bore Mill Operator
Median Annual Salary
$46,630
-19.6% growth (2024-2034)
400
Openings/Year
5K
Current Jobs
What Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Do
Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
💰 Salary
$46,630
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-19.6%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
400
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
5,300
Projected Employment (2034)
4,300
Related Careers
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$48,620 •
-13.6% growth
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,310 •
-14.4% growth
Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners
$48,970 •
-7.8% growth
Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
$40,440 •
-1.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
- Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
- Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
- Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
- Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
- Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
- Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
- Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
- Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
- Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic:
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
3,539 degrees awarded •
248 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $46,630.
What education do drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic need?
Most drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.
Is becoming a drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to see -19.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Top colleges for aspiring drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include
State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Williamson College of the Trades, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic may also be known as: Automatic Driller and Reamer, Automatic Drilling Machine Operator, Barrel Driller, Billet Driller, Bore Mill Operator, Borematic Machine Operator, Borematic Operator, Borer, Boring Machine Operator, Boring Machine Setup Operator, Boring Mill Operator, Boring Mill Setup Operator, Broacher, Chamfering Machine Operator, Choke Reamer, CNC Drilling Operator (Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), Collet Driller, Countersinker, Dice Maker.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.