Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary Guide 2025
Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders who work with metal and plastic earn a median salary of $49,080 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That works out to roughly $24 an hour, with the typical range spanning from $36,300 at the 10th percentile to $68,410 at the 90th.
How much Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn
The national mean annual wage for this occupation is $51,810, or about $24.91 per hour. Half of all workers earn between $36,300 and $68,410, meaning the bottom 10% bring in less than $36,300 while the top 10% exceed $68,410.
- National median salary: $49,080
- National mean salary: $51,810 ($24.91/hour)
- 10th percentile: $36,300
- 90th percentile: $68,410
Pay by state
Where you work dramatically affects your paycheck. The highest-paying state is Virginia, where the average annual wage reaches $90,390. Massachusetts follows at $77,780, then Idaho at $69,590, Florida at $66,340, and Michigan at $60,410.
At the other end, the lowest-paying states include Iowa ($43,860), Connecticut ($41,080), and Indiana ($39,110). These figures reflect mean annual wages from the BLS.
How to become Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
The typical path into this role is a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with on-the-job training that can last several months to a year. No college degree is required, but technical or vocational training in machine tool operations is common and can give you an edge.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete on-the-job training (often 6–12 months) under experienced operators.
- Consider a certificate or associate degree in machine tool technology from a trade school or community college.
- Gain experience with manual and CNC drilling and boring machines.
- Optional: obtain industry certifications like those from NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills).
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for metal and plastic drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders will shrink by 19.6% from 2024 to 2034—a sharp decline driven by automation and offshoring. However, about 400 openings are expected each year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field. With current employment at only 4,680 nationwide, competition for the remaining spots will be strong.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic?
The national median salary is $49,080 per year, with a mean of $51,810 (about $24/hour). The typical range is $36,300 to $68,410.
How do I become a Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender?
A high school diploma and on-the-job training are the most common entry requirements. Many workers also complete a certificate or associate degree in machine tool technology.
What is the job growth for this occupation?
Employment is projected to decline by 19.6% from 2024 to 2034, but about 400 openings per year are expected due to replacement needs.
Which states pay the most for this job?
Virginia ($90,390), Massachusetts ($77,780), Idaho ($69,590), Florida ($66,340), and Michigan ($60,410) are the highest-paying states.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic data.