Shigoto Zukan
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How to become Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plasticeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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)

Career path and how to earn more as Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.