Production · SOC 51-4032
CNC handles repetitive drilling well, but blueprint interpretation, tool selection, and troubleshooting still depend on skilled operators.
Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
Timeline: CNC automation already handles much of the repetitive drilling; operators who gain CNC programming skills will find more secure and higher-paying roles through 2032.
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$47,060 median pay
$48,630 median pay
$39,820 median pay
$36,000 median pay
$51,850 median pay
AI job-risk card
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is resilient on AIFear. Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
AIFear.com
Our AI Fear Score for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is 26/100 (Resilient). Hands-on, interpersonal or high-stakes work AI struggles to replace.
26 out of 100, based on an AI-model review of this occupation's O*NET tasks against what current AI can actually do.
Most exposed: Verifying dimensional conformance and logging measurements, Verifying workpiece alignment with dial indicators. Harder to automate: Interpreting machining instructions and planning operational sequences, Selecting cutting tools, speeds, and feed rates from experience, Observing machine operation and detecting emerging problems, Moving controls to engage and adjust automatic feeds.
Lean into CNC and manual machine operation, Machining tolerances and metrology, Cutting tool selection and speeds, Blueprint and job order interpretation. Consider roles such as CNC machinist or Manufacturing process engineer or Precision metrology technician.
Tasks, skills and AI-exposure for this role were reviewed by an AI model against its O*NET task profile (curated roles use published research anchors). Pay and employment, where shown, are U.S. BLS OEWS (May 2024) figures. This is an estimate, not a prediction about any individual's job. Compare all occupations.