Occupation · SOC 51-4032
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.
Median wage
$46,630
$35,360–$65,200
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
5,310
Job Zone 2
Typical preparation
Some preparation
Stackable credential programs
210 mapped
Core skills
Operations MonitoringReading ComprehensionOperation and ControlMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementSpeakingCritical Thinking
Knowledge areas
MathematicsProduction and ProcessingMechanicalEnglish LanguageEngineering and Technology
Technology & tools
Inventory management softwareIndustrial control softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareWord processing software
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.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.Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.Install tools in spindles.Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic measuring instruments such as calipers and micrometers — identify and use under direct supervision to verify that machined workpiece dimensions meet specification tolerances on the shop floor.Job orders and machining instructions — read and interpret with supervisor guidance to determine basic dimensional and finish specifications before beginning a drilling operation.Machine controls — operate under close direction to lower cutting tools to workpieces and engage automatic feeds on a production drilling machine.Workpiece clamping devices such as bolts, jigs, and clamps — apply under supervision to secure metal or plastic parts to machine tables prior to drilling cycles.Zero reference points on workpieces — locate and mark at edge intersections or hole centers with trainer support in a metal fabrication environment.Worn cutting tools — identify and change using wrenches under direct technician oversight during scheduled maintenance stops on the production line.Cutting speed and feed rate tables — reference with supervisor assistance to select basic parameters for common metal grades on standard drilling machines.Dial indicators mounted in spindles — use under guidance to check that workpiece reference lines are roughly parallel to the table rotation axis.Safety protocols and personal protective equipment requirements — follow consistently when operating or tending drilling and boring machines in a manufacturing setting.Shift logs and basic production records — complete accurately using word processing or spreadsheet software under supervisor direction to document run quantities and tool changes.
developing
Calipers, micrometers, and telescoping gauges — apply routinely and independently to verify conformance of drilled and bored features to blueprint specifications during production runs.Blueprints and job orders for multi-step operations — study and interpret with limited oversight to determine machining sequences, tooling requirements, and finish specifications for familiar workpiece families.Drilling and boring machine controls — operate and adjust with reduced supervision to manage automatic feeds, spindle speeds, and tool paths across standard production cycles.Workpiece alignment and parallelism — verify using dial indicators mounted in spindles to confirm reference lines are within acceptable tolerance of the table rotation axis on routine setups.Cutting speeds, feed rates, and depths of cut — select and set based on machining instructions and developing knowledge of metal and plastic properties for common material grades.Tooling changeovers including worn-tool replacement — complete efficiently using wrenches and standard hand tools within allotted cycle times to minimize machine downtime.Workpiece fixturing with bolts, shims, jigs, and clamps — configure independently to position and secure a variety of part geometries on machine tables without supervision.Out-of-specification conditions and surface finish anomalies — detect during in-process monitoring and apply corrective adjustments such as modifying feed rate or replacing tooling.Industrial control software on CNC drilling machines — navigate to load programs, adjust offsets, and monitor cycle status during routine production in a metal-parts manufacturing environment.Production scheduling priorities and time constraints — manage personal work pace and task sequencing to meet shift output targets in a high-volume shop environment.
proficient
Complex blueprints and engineering drawings for non-routine parts — analyze autonomously to plan full machining sequences, select appropriate tooling, and anticipate fixturing challenges on difficult geometries.Fixed and telescoping gauges alongside precision optical instruments — deploy across the full inspection cycle to verify dimensional conformance of intricate bored features within tight tolerance bands.Non-standard workpiece setups requiring custom shims, angle plates, or compound fixtures — design and execute independently to achieve correct datum alignment on challenging part configurations.Cutting parameter optimization for difficult alloys and engineered plastics — determine from material properties and tool manufacturer data to maximize tool life and surface quality without supervisor input.Machine performance deviations such as chatter, thermal drift, or spindle runout — diagnose root causes and implement corrective measures during live production without escalation.Zero-point reference establishment on complex or asymmetric workpieces — perform with high repeatability using edge finders and precision test indicators in a close-tolerance machining environment.ERP and inventory management software — use to track tooling consumption, log completed jobs, and flag stock replenishment needs within a plant-wide manufacturing execution system.In-process statistical monitoring data — evaluate trends across multiple part runs to anticipate tool wear and adjust offsets proactively before nonconforming parts are produced.New operators and production associates — guide informally on machine setup procedures, measurement techniques, and safety practices to build baseline competency on the shop floor.Cross-functional communication with quality technicians and process engineers — conduct clearly to convey machining anomalies, suggest process improvements, and support root-cause investigations.
advanced
Drilling and boring process standards and setup procedures — develop and document for the department to establish consistent, repeatable practices across all machines and shifts in a multi-operator shop.Tooling strategies and cutting parameter libraries — design and maintain within industrial control and ERP software to drive cost reduction and quality improvement across the entire product portfolio.Machine capability studies and measurement system analyses — lead to evaluate equipment condition, gauge repeatability, and process variation, reporting findings to production and engineering leadership.Operator training curricula and on-the-job coaching plans — create and deliver to accelerate skill development of emerging and developing practitioners in metal and plastic machining operations.Capital equipment evaluations for new or replacement drilling and boring machines — conduct by assessing technical specifications, capacity requirements, and ROI in partnership with operations management.Production scheduling conflicts and bottleneck conditions — resolve at the floor level by reallocating setups, adjusting run sequences, and coordinating with planners to protect on-time delivery.Continuous improvement initiatives targeting scrap reduction and cycle time — lead using structured problem-solving methods and cross-functional teams within the machining and quality departments.Safety audits and ergonomic risk reviews for drilling and boring workstations — conduct and present corrective action plans to plant management to ensure regulatory compliance and worker protection.Supplier quality dialogues concerning incoming material consistency and tooling performance — represent the production department in technical discussions to influence specification and sourcing decisions.Departmental performance metrics including OEE, first-pass yield, and tool cost per part — monitor, analyze, and report to senior management, recommending data-driven corrective and preventive actions.
Also known as
119 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Automatic Driller and ReamerJewel Cupping Machine OperatorBorematic OperatorDrillerMetal Drilling Machine OperatorReaming-Machine TenderSpot FacerBorematic Machine OperatorBoring-Machine OperatorPlastic Radial Drill Press OperatorDrill-Press Set-Up Operator, Radial, ToolDrilling-Machine Operator, AutomaticChamfering-Machine Operator IMachinery Repairman Apprentice (Navy 003156)Jigger OperatorDrill Punch OperatorJig Boring Machine Setup OperatorChoke ReamerFixed Route OperatorMetal Horizontal Boring Mill OperatorPinner, Printed Circuit BoardsDrill Press TenderTapperHorizontal Boring Mill Setup OperatorMachinist (Marine Corps 2161)Press Machine OperatorTapper IIRecentererDrill-Press OperatorBoring Mill Setup OperatorDrilling OperatorMetal Drill OperatorBoring-Mill Set-Up Operator, HorizontalReaming Machine TenderDriller-And-Reamer, AutomaticDrill Press OperatorDirectional DrillerDrill-Press Set-Up Operator, Multiple SpindleTest BorerDirectional Drill Operator