As of June 2026, Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic has an AI-exposure score of 55/100 (Elevated exposure) on the AI-Safe Careers index, blending O*NET tasks, the Anthropic Economic Index, the Penn/OpenAI study, and BLS data. This is an estimate of task exposure, not a prediction of job loss.

AI Exposure Score for

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

55/100
Elevated exposure
LowModerateElevatedHighVery High

More exposed than 49% of the roles we track. Median pay ~US$49,080. About 400 projected openings a year (BLS 2024–34 — growth plus replacement).

Pay & demand figures are US medians (BLS, in USD) — your local figures will differ. Your exposure score applies broadly.

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How you compare to similar Production roles

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (you)
55
Food Batchmakers
55
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
55
Machinists
55
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
55
Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers
55
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Your tasks, by AI exposure

Automatable

No automatable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (100%).

Augmentable
  • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
  • Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.
  • Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.
  • Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
  • Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
  • Install tools in spindles.
  • Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
  • Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
  • Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.
  • Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
  • Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
  • Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.
  • Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models.
  • Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
  • Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.
  • Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
  • Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.
Durable

No durable tasks identified for this role — its real, individually-assessed tasks consistently read as augmentable (100%).

Safer adjacent roles

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
80% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$52,800
50
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
72% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$50,620
48
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
64% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$43,380
41
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
56% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$46,330
46
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$50,060
43
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
40% skills overlap · Elevated exposure · ~US$47,180
58
Tool and Die Makers
40% skills overlap · Moderate exposure · ~US$64,050
46

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Important: This is an estimate of AI exposure, not a prediction that your job will disappear. It is designed to help you understand how your role may change and improve your career resilience.