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

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  Career Profile

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

What they do

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

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, Radial Drill Operator, Setup Mill Operator, 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, Radial Drill Operator, Setup Mill Operator

$34,550
Starting Salary (2023)
$44,620
Median Salary (2023)
-18.3%
Projected Job Growth
5,740
Employment (2022)

Typical 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.
Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.
Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Investigative
Studying, Research based work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Cooperation
Dependability
Independence
Integrity

What key skills are needed for this job?

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Reading Comprehension
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Active Listening

Expected Knowledge

Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Common Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

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