Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

Pay

Getting in

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Prior experience

None

Calculate your switch to drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

What the work is like

Core 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.

Also called: Bore Mill Operator · CNC Drilling Operator (Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator) · CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist) · Drill Operator · Drill Press Operator · Drill Setup Operator · Machine Operator · Punch Operator

Outlook and AI

Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic held 4,700 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 4,200 by 2035 (−9%, declining; all jobs: +3.5%).

Productivity change, occupational substitution - share decreases as manufacturers are expected to use more CNC, automated, and programmable machines to perform some functions or tasks previously done by these workers.

Compare with

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