All careers › Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Boring machine tool setter: pay, job outlook and how to become one
- $36,300lowest 10% earn less
- $41,71025th percentile
- $49,080median
- $57,94075th percentile
- $68,410top 10% earn more
A boring machine tool setter (BLS title: Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic) had a median pay of $49,080 a year in May 2025[1]. BLS projects employment to decline 9.5% from 2025 to 2035[2].
- Job growth, 2025–35
- -9.5%[2]
- Openings per year
- 400[5]
- Typical entry education
- High school diploma or equivalent[6]
How much do boring machine tool setters make?
The median wage was $49,080 a year, or $23.60 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $51,810 a year, or $24.91 an hour[7].
For all occupations, the median annual wage was $50,980[4]. So this job sits a little below the national middle.
The range is wide:
| Level | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile[3][8] | $36,300 | $17.45 |
| 25th percentile[3][8] | $41,710 | $20.05 |
| Median[1] | $49,080 | $23.60 |
| 75th percentile[3][8] | $57,940 | $27.85 |
| 90th percentile[3][8] | $68,410 | $32.89 |
The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $36,300[3]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[9]. These figures cover wage and salary workers. They leave out the self-employed and do not include benefits or nonproduction bonuses[10]. About 4,680 people held these jobs[11].
Pay by state and city
Among the 31 states with published data, Virginia had the highest median at $90,390, followed by Massachusetts at $77,780 and Idaho at $69,590[12]. Virginia had 100 jobs, Massachusetts 60 and Idaho 70[12].
California had the most jobs at 690, then Tennessee at 400, Illinois at 390, Indiana at 300 and Oklahoma at 250[13].
Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Tulsa, OK had the highest median at $58,210[14]. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA followed at $50,920, then Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA at $49,080[14]. Los Angeles had the most metro jobs at 400, and Tulsa was next with 180[15].
Show median pay in 31 states
| State | Median per year | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia[12] | $90,390 | 100 |
| Massachusetts | $77,780 | 60 |
| Idaho | $69,590 | 70 |
| Florida | $66,340 | 80 |
| Michigan | $60,410 | 190 |
| New Hampshire | $59,800 | 40 |
| Illinois | $56,720 | 390 |
| New York | $55,310 | 70 |
| Oklahoma | $55,230 | 250 |
| Alabama | $53,110 | 140 |
| South Carolina | $52,040 | 70 |
| Kentucky | $51,740 | n/a |
| Ohio | $51,670 | 200 |
| Colorado | $51,280 | 40 |
| Mississippi | $49,930 | 50 |
| Wisconsin | $49,640 | 60 |
| California | $49,080 | 690 |
| Arizona | $48,140 | 70 |
| New Jersey | $47,870 | 70 |
| Minnesota | $47,010 | 110 |
| North Carolina | $46,970 | 50 |
| Arkansas | $46,730 | 60 |
| Pennsylvania | $46,370 | 180 |
| Georgia | $46,270 | 80 |
| Tennessee | $45,070 | 400 |
| West Virginia | $45,060 | n/a |
| Missouri | $44,990 | 80 |
| Texas | $44,350 | 220 |
| Iowa | $43,860 | 110 |
| Connecticut | $41,080 | 50 |
| Indiana | $39,110 | 300 |
How to become a boring machine tool setter
- First: finish high school or earn an equivalent. BLS lists this as the education needed to enter, with no related work experience required[6].
- Next: get on-the-job training. BLS rates it as moderate-term[6]. Trainees typically start by observing and assisting experienced workers, then move on to harder work like changing speed and feed settings, swapping tools and checking finished parts[16].
- Then: grow into setup work. Some operators build the skills to set up machines[16]. Operators often move into setup or maintenance jobs[17].
The BLS handbook profile covers a wider group of metal and plastic machine workers, so these training details describe that group[18]. For that group, simple machine operations may be learned in a few months, and CNC operators may train for up to 1 year[19]. Training in CAD, CAM and CNC equipment may help[20]. Some community colleges and other schools offer courses and certificate programs[21]. Certification can show competence and help with advancement[22].
In an O*NET survey of 26 workers, 57% said a high school diploma or equivalent is required, 12% said some college courses, 12% said an associate's degree, 10% said less than high school and 7% said a bachelor's degree[23].
What boring machine tool setters do
These workers set up, run or tend drilling machines used to drill, bore, ream, mill or countersink parts made of metal or plastic[24]. Common tasks include:
- Reading job orders and blueprints to learn the sizes, finishes and steps needed[25].
- Positioning and securing parts on work tables with clamps, jigs and other holders[25].
- Setting cutting speeds, feed rates, depths and tools[25].
- Finding zero reference points on the part[25].
- Running the machine controls to lower tools onto the part[25].
- Watching the machine to spot problems[25].
- Swapping out worn cutting tools[25].
- Checking finished work against specifications with calipers, micrometers or gauges[25].
Workers report job titles such as drill press operator, CNC drilling operator and bore mill operator[26].
Where they work
The handbook covers metal and plastic machine workers as a wider group[18]. In that group, fabricated metal product manufacturing was the largest employer at 25% in 2025[27]. Most are employed full time, and some work more than 40 hours a week[28]. Evening and weekend work is also common because many plants run machines for long stretches[28].
The machines are powerful and fast, so workers follow safety rules and usually wear protective gear such as safety glasses, earplugs and steel-toed boots[29]. Standing for long periods and repetitive tasks are part of the work[30].
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to fall 9.5% from 2025 to 2035, from about 4,700 to 4,200 jobs[2]. All occupations are projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[31]. These counts include self-employed workers[2].
BLS lists a cause: manufacturers are expected to rely more on CNC, automated and programmable machines for some tasks these workers do now[32].
Still, about 400 openings a year are projected on average[5]. Openings count jobs left by workers who retire or switch occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 4% of workers leave the labor force and 6.3% move to a different occupation[33].
Is it a good fit?
The facts point to a job you can enter with a high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training[6]. Pay is close to the all-occupations median[1][4]. The range is wide, with the 90th percentile at $68,410[3]. Employment is projected to shrink, though openings continue as workers leave[2][5]. Comfort with machines and computerized equipment matters in this work[34][35].
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a boring machine tool setter make an hour?
- The median was $23.60 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $24.91[1][7].
- What education do you need to be a boring machine tool setter?
- BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent for entry, with no related work experience and moderate-term on-the-job training[6].
- Is boring machine tool setter a growing job?
- No. BLS projects a 9.5% decline from 2025 to 2035, while all occupations are projected to grow 3.5%[2][31].
- What is the highest paying state for boring machine tool setters?
- Virginia had the highest median at $90,390, based on 100 jobs[12].
Facts and sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the US was $49,080 per year and $23.60 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: employment of Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to decline 9.5% from 2025 to 2035, from about 4,700 to 4,200 jobs (a change of -400). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $36,300, 25th percentile $41,710, 75th percentile $57,940, 90th percentile $68,410. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: about 400 openings for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic was $51,810 per year and $24.91 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $17.45, 25th percentile $20.05, 75th percentile $27.85, 90th percentile $32.89. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 4,680 people were employed as Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: California 690; Tennessee 400; Illinois 390; Indiana 300; Oklahoma 250. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (areas with at least 100 jobs): Tulsa, OK $58,210; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $50,920; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $49,080; Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $35,660. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 400 (median $49,080); Tulsa, OK 180 (median $58,210); San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 130 (median $50,920); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 110 (median $35,660); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 90 (median $46,460); Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 80 (median $63,320). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Metal and Plastic Machine Workers" covers Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET 51-4032.00 survey of workers (26 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 57%, Some College Courses 12%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 12%, Less than a High School Diploma 10%, Bachelor's Degree 7% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
- O*NET description of Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET task list for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET 51-4032.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Bore Mill Operator, CNC Drilling Operator (Computer Numerical Control Drilling Operator), CNC Machinist (Computer Numerical Control Machinist), Drill Operator, Drill Press Operator, Drill Setup Operator, Machine Operator, Punch Operator. O*NET OnLine
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of metal and plastic machine workers in 2025: Fabricated metal product manufacturing 25%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: Productivity change, occupational substitution - share decreases as manufacturers are expected to use more CNC, automated, and programmable machines to perform some functions or tasks previously done by these workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 4% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.3% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.