CFChooseField
Production

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

Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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Median pay

$46,630
Median annual pay for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-19.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

400
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

5,300
Estimated U.S. employment for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-1,000
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Critical Thinking
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mathematics
  2. 2Production and Processing
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Engineering and Technology
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Arm-Hand Steadiness
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Finger Dexterity
  5. 5Information Ordering
  6. 6Manual Dexterity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Achievement Orientation
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Getting Information
  3. 3Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  4. 4Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  5. 5Documenting/Recording Information
  6. 6Handling and Moving Objects

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  3. 3Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Time Pressure
  6. 6Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyAutomated inventory softwareComputerized numerical control CNC software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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