Shigoto Zukan
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Will AI replace Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?AI replacement risk 51% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$49,080
25th–75th pct. $41,710–$57,940
Top pay (est.)
$88,900
Top 10% $68,410
Pay in 5 years
$55,000est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$61,600est.
$53,000–$71,500
Outlook score
34/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
51%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−9.5%
400 openings / yr

Will AI replace Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic? AI replacement risk

51%
Moderate
Ranked #536 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.8
Operation and Control
3.1
Monitoring
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.0
Speaking
3.0
Active Listening
3.0
Critical Thinking
3.0
Troubleshooting
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
5.6
Mathematics
4.8
Production and Processing
4.3
Engineering and Technology
4.1
English Language
3.8
Design
3.8
Education and Training
3.7
Computers and Electronics
3.5

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeThinking CreativelyMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesWorking with ComputersProcessing Information

Important abilities

Near VisionFinger DexterityControl PrecisionReaction TimeVisualizationPerceptual Speed

Education of workers

High school diploma
57%
Some college
12%
Associate's degree
12%
Less than high school
10%
Bachelor's degree
7%
Post-secondary certificate
2%

Training before entry

6–12 months
29%
1–2 years
15%
4–10 years
10%
1–3 months
9%
None / short demo
6%
Up to 1 month
3%
2–4 years
2%

Related work experience

2–4 years
19%
Over 10 years
17%
6–12 months
13%
4–6 years
11%
Up to 1 month
7%
1–2 years
5%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.