Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4032
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic carries a 24% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $46,630 and -19.6% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 5,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (SOC 51-4032) carries an AI exposure score of 24%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 5,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a -19.6% change through 2034 — a decline that often compounds with high AI exposure to create displacement headwinds. Median annual compensation stands at $46,630, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
- 2. Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
- 3. Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
- 4. Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
- 5. Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
- 6. Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
- 7. Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
- 8. Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
- 9. Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
- 10. Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
Key Skills Required
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
Knowledge Areas
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Design
- Administration and Management
- Computers and Electronics
- Customer and Personal Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic has an AI exposure score of 24%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to decline by 19.6% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 5,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Key skills for Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include Operations Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn?
The median annual wage for Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $46,630, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
The typical entry-level education for Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).