Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
U.S. Workers
5,310
Median Salary
$46,630
10-Year Growth
-19.6%
Annual Openings
400
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent
17 of 17 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
AI: Fully automatable - Automated metrology (CMMs, vision systems) combined with AI can reliably verify conformance to specs, enabling full automation of inspection in many environments.
Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
AI: Fully automatable - AI/ML plus CAM and process-planning tools can read blueprints and job orders and determine setups, sequences, and tooling, allowing full automation of this planning task.
Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
AI: Fully automatable - Adaptive control systems, CAM software, and AI models can select and adjust speeds, feeds, depths, and tools based on material and process data, enabling full automation of parameter selection.
Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
AI: Fully automatable - CNC machine controls and PLCs already automate lowering tools and engaging automatic feeds, so AI/control systems can fully perform this task in modern setups.
Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
AI: Fully automatable - Automatic probing systems and vision/laser sensors integrated with CAM/CNC software can establish precise zero reference points without human intervention.
Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
AI: Fully automatable - Computer vision and sensor-based monitoring systems can detect tool wear, breakage, chatter, and other operational problems in real time with high reliability.
Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
AI: Fully automatable - Machine-mounted probes and digital indicators combined with control software can verify alignment and parallelism automatically and accurately.
Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.
AI: Fully automatable - CAD/CAM systems plus robotic scribers or automated marking tools can compute and lay out reference lines and machining locations using shop math programmatically.
Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.
AI: Fully automatable - Automatic drill presses and CNC drilling/spindle systems can perform hole-boring operations end-to-end under automated control in production environments.
Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.
AI: Fully automatable - Coolant flow and valve actuation are straightforward to automate with actuators, solenoids, and feedback control, allowing AI/PLC systems to manage them fully.
Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models.
AI: Fully automatable - Duplicating contours from templates can be fully automated by CNC systems, scanners, or robotic tracing attachments under AI/CAM control.
Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
AI: Partial - Automatic tool changers and robotic systems can change cutting tools in many CNC contexts, but manual wrench-based changes remain common, so capability is partial.
Install tools in spindles.
AI: Partial - Automatic tool changers can install tools in spindles in many machines, but manual installation is still widespread, so full automation is not universal.
Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
AI: Partial - Robotic fixturing and automated clamping exist in controlled production lines, but variable part shapes and ad-hoc setups still often require human judgment and manual securing.
Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
AI: Partial - Automated hoists and guided cranes exist, but many lifting/positioning tasks (especially irregular or heavy one-offs) still require human operators for safety and judgment.
Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.
AI: Partial - Robotic fastening and automated assembly are common in repetitive production, but varied minor assembly tasks in small-batch or mixed-part contexts still often need human dexterity and adaptation.
Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.
AI: Partial - Automated tool-grinding systems exist, but sharpening on bench grinders is typically a manual skill so AI can only partially automate the task as of 2025.