Production
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also called: Bore Mill Operator, CNC Drilling Operator (Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), Drill Operator
US median pay
$49,080
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-9.5%
declining
Openings a year (US)
400
4,700 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operations Monitoring3.6/5
- Operation and Control3.1/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.0/5
- Quality Control Analysis2.9/5
- Troubleshooting2.8/5
- Social Perceptiveness2.8/5
Knowledge
- Mathematics4.4/5
- Production and Processing4.4/5
- Mechanical4.3/5
- English Language4.0/5
- Engineering and Technology3.5/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- High school diploma57%
- Some college12%
- Associate's degree12%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.