Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also called: Drilling and Boring Machine Operators
Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
Also called: Automatic Driller and Reamer, Automatic Drilling Machine Operator, Barrel Driller, Billet Driller, Bore Mill Operator, Borematic Machine Operator
Median pay
$49,080
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$36,300 – $68,410
People employed
4,680
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 5.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 6.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay by state
Annual median pay by state (31 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic do
- 01Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
- 02Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
- 03Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
- 04Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
- 05Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
- 06Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing91% · −12%
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators89% · +3%
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand83% · −13%
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders83% · −5%
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers82% · +9%
Change into drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators89% · $50,690
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing86% · $43,380
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers82% · $53,710
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders82% · $45,760
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood82% · $42,770
Majors that lead here
- Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.