Description

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

Interests

Realistic
Conventional

Learn More about Interests

Work Values

Support
Relationships
Working Conditions

Learn More about Work Values

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Cooperation
Dependability
Independence

Learn More about Work Styles

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.

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Getting Information
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Documenting/Recording Information
Handling and Moving Objects

Detailed Work Activities

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Technology Skills

Spreadsheet software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Office suite software
Word processing software
Inventory management software

Abilities

Control Precision
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Near Vision
Finger Dexterity
Information Ordering

Skills

Operations Monitoring
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening

Knowledge

Mathematics
Production and Processing
Mechanical
English Language
Engineering and Technology

Most Common Education Level

The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.

Certificates

These are the certification(s) applicable to Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic:

Certificate name

Level 1 - Welding

Certifying Organization

National Center for Construction Education and Research

Type

Core

Certificate name

Los Angeles Certified Welder

Certifying Organization

Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety

Type

Core

Certificate name

Machining Level II - Drill Press II

Certifying Organization

National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Type

Advanced

Certificate name

Operator Certification

Certifying Organization

Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association

Type

Core

Certificate name

Machining Level I - Drill Press I

Certifying Organization

National Institute for Metalworking Skills

Type

Core

Certificate name	Certifying Organization	Type
Level 1 - Welding	National Center for Construction Education and Research	Core
Los Angeles Certified Welder	Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety	Core
Machining Level II - Drill Press II	National Institute for Metalworking Skills	Advanced
Operator Certification	Concrete Sawing and Drilling Association	Core
Machining Level I - Drill Press I	National Institute for Metalworking Skills	Core

Income Percentile

The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.

Income Percentile	Annual Income
Low (10%)	$36,485
Median (50%)	$40,185
High (90%)	$47,691

Income by Experience

This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).

Experience	Income
Entry Level	$41,022
Mid Level	$46,850
Senior Level	N/A
Expert Level	N/A

Employability

There are currently 5,800 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 4,700 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -19%.

The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.

Projected Job Growth of -19%

Related Careers

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Projected Job Growth

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Career Cluster(s)

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RealisticConventional

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Career Cluster(s)

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Career Cluster(s)

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RealisticConventional

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Median Annual Income

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Projected Job Growth

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Career Cluster(s)

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High school diploma or equivalent

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The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.