Searching

Career Exploration

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

Also called: CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), Drill Operator, Drill Setup Operator, Machine Operator

What they do:

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

On the job, you would:
  • 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.
On the job, you'll need:

Manufactured or Agricultural Goods

  • manufacture and distribution of products

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Engineering and Technology

  • mechanical
  • product and service development

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Basic Skills

  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • hold or move items with your hands

Verbal

  • listen and understand what people say
  • read and understand what is written

Realistic

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

  • Attention to Detail
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Cooperation
  • Dependability
  • Independence
  • Integrity

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • SAP software

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office software

Video courtesy of CareerOneStop.

Job Outlook

The job outlook for this position is Below Average.

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.

Median Annual Salary: $42,450

Education

High school diploma/GED or some college is usually needed.