51 Series · SOC 51-4032

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

National pay, percentile range, growth outlook, and state-by-state detail from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey (May 2025).

$49,080
Median / year
$68,410
Top 10% earn
-19.6%
Growth '23–'33
4,680
US workers

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $49,080 per year.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey, the median annual wage is $49,080, based on the most recent survey of employers. Reported pay ranges from $36,300 (10th percentile) to $68,410 (90th percentile) nationally, across roughly 4,680 US workers. Virginia pays the most ($90,390), since pay varies by state and metro area.

51 Series · Source: BLS OEWS Compare with another job →
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The pay verdict

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $49,080, putting them below the typical US occupation and higher than 31% of the 825 occupations with a published BLS median. Within Production, it ranks #39 of 105 by median pay. Employment is projected to fall 19.6% by 2033.

$49,080
Median annual wage
Top 69%
of 825 US occupations with published wages
#39 of 105
in Production
1.9×
90th-to-10th pay spread

Highest-paying state: Virginia at $90,390. Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (SOC 51-4032) pays a national median of $49,080 per year according to the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey released in May 2025. Full-range compensation stretches from $36,300 at the 10th percentile to $68,410 at the 90th, with a mean of $51,810 indicating a right-skew where top earners pull the average above the midpoint. An estimated 4,680 Americans work in this occupation across 31 reporting states and 23 metro areas.

BLS Employment Projections forecast a -19.6% change in employment from 2024 to 2034, which the agency classifies as declining relative to the 5% all-occupations baseline. About 400 openings are projected per year, combining new positions with replacement needs from retirements and occupation-switchers. Typical entry-level preparation is High school diploma or equivalent and moderate-term on-the-job training of on-the-job training. The BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) and Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) produce a workplace-safety grade of B for this role, with a fatality rate of 3.5 per 100,000 and injury rate of 3.2 per 100.

Geographic variation matters as much as the headline median. Virginia pays the highest state median at $90,390, which is +84% above the national figure. The top metro is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at $79,120 - metro premiums typically reflect higher cost of living, industry concentration, or specialized employer demand. When using this page for negotiation or career planning, pair the national median with the state and metro rows below, remember that BLS wages exclude benefits, bonuses, and overtime, and revisit after each May OEWS release since percentiles shift with cost-of-living cycles and industry demand. See our methodology for exactly how these figures are sourced, computed, and verified.

BLS OEWS May 2025 4,680 jobs Median $49,080/yr

Median Salary

$49,080

per year

Median Hourly

$23.60/hr

per hour

Mean Salary

$51,810

average

Employment

4,680

jobs nationwide

How does this pay compare nationally?

Where Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay sits nationally

Median annual wage vs. 825 detailed BLS occupations with a published median

$49,080 Bottom 31% higher than 31% of 825 US occupations

$0–$20,000: 0 US occupations (0%). Below this entry. $20,000–$40,000: 98 US occupations (12%). Below this entry. $40,000–$60,000: 298 US occupations (36%). This entry sits in this band. $60,000–$80,000: 209 US occupations (25%). Above this entry. $80,000–$100,000: 82 US occupations (10%). Above this entry. $100,000–$120,000: 58 US occupations (7%). Above this entry. $120,000–$140,000: 32 US occupations (4%). Above this entry. $140,000–$160,000: 14 US occupations (2%). Above this entry. $160,000–$180,000: 9 US occupations (1%). Above this entry. $180,000–$200,000: 25 US occupations (3%). Above this entry. This job $0 $200,000 every BLS occupation, bucketed by value

Each bar is a $20K-wide band; taller bars hold more US occupations. The dashed line + filled bar mark this entry. Hover or tap any bar for its full count, share, and where it sits relative to this entry.

Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · May 2025

Does this job pay well and grow?

Each dot is a 51-series occupation, placed by projected 2024–2034 growth and median pay. The highlighted dot is Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic; the upper-right quadrant is the sweet spot (high pay + fast growth).

Among 23 51-series occupations with growth data, Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic sits on the slower-growing side at -19.6% growth and $49,080 median pay.

Among 23 51-series occupations with growth data, Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic sits on the slower-growing side at -19.6% growth and $49,080 median pay. Scatter plot of 23 data points. $30000$40000$50000$60000$70000$80000 -30%-20%-10%0%10% Projected growth 2024–2034 (%) Median annual wage
Among 23 51-series occupations with growth data, Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic sits on the slower-growing side at -19.6% growth and $49,080 median pay.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS (wages, May 2025) and Employment Projections (2024–2034).

Job Outlook (2024–2034)

Projected Growth

-19.6%

Declining

Annual Openings

400

per year (projected)

Typical Education

High school diploma or equivalent

On-the-Job Training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034

Workplace Safety

All safety ratings →
B

Safe

Safety Grade (BLS 2023)

Fatality Rate

3.5/100K

Injury Rate

3.2/100

Danger Index

14.6/100

Source: BLS Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) & Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII), 2023

Career Intelligence

Skills, knowledge, and tasks most important for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic roles, ranked by importance. Source: O*NET.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring 3.6
Reading Comprehension 3.1
Monitoring 3.1
Operation and Control 3.1
Active Listening 3.0
Speaking 3.0
Critical Thinking 3.0
Complex Problem Solving 3.0
Judgment and Decision Making 3.0
Time Management 3.0

Knowledge Areas

Mathematics 4.4
Production and Processing 4.4
Mechanical 4.3
English Language 4.0
Engineering and Technology 3.5
Education and Training 3.3
Design 3.3
Administration and Management 3.0
Computers and Electronics 3.0
Customer and Personal Service 2.8

Key Tasks

  • ▸ Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
  • ▸ Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
  • ▸ Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
  • ▸ Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
  • ▸ Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
  • ▸ Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
  • ▸ Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
  • ▸ Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
  • ▸ Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
  • ▸ Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.

Source: O*NET Online, National Center for O*NET Development. Data represents typical importance ratings for this occupation.

Salary Range

Annual Salary Distribution

$36,300$41,710$49,080$57,940$68,410
10th pct25thMedian75th90th pct

Hourly Rate Distribution

$17.45$20.05$23.60$27.85$32.89
10th pct25thMedian75th90th pct

10th Percentile

$36,300

25th Percentile

$41,710

Median

$49,080

75th Percentile

$57,940

90th Percentile

$68,410

Salary by State

Highest Paying States

1. Virginia $90,390 2. Massachusetts $77,780 3. Idaho $69,590 4. Florida $66,340 5. Michigan $60,410

Lowest Paying States

27. Indiana $39,110 28. Connecticut $41,080 29. Iowa $43,860 30. Texas $44,350 31. Missouri $44,990
View all 31 states →
# State Median Salary vs National
1 Virginia $90,390 +84% above national
2 Massachusetts $77,780 +58% above national
3 Idaho $69,590 +42% above national
4 Florida $66,340 +35% above national
5 Michigan $60,410 +23% above national
6 New Hampshire $59,800 +22% above national
7 Illinois $56,720 +16% above national
8 New York $55,310 +13% above national
9 Oklahoma $55,230 +13% above national
10 Alabama $53,110 +8% above national
11 South Carolina $52,040 +6% above national
12 Kentucky $51,740 +5% above national
13 Ohio $51,670 +5% above national
14 Colorado $51,280 +4% above national
15 Mississippi $49,930 +2% above national
16 Wisconsin $49,640 +1% above national
17 California $49,080 same as national
18 Arizona $48,140 2% below national
19 New Jersey $47,870 2% below national
20 Minnesota $47,010 4% below national
21 North Carolina $46,970 4% below national
22 Arkansas $46,730 5% below national
23 Pennsylvania $46,370 6% below national
24 Georgia $46,270 6% below national
25 Tennessee $45,070 8% below national
26 West Virginia $45,060 8% below national
27 Missouri $44,990 8% below national
28 Texas $44,350 10% below national
29 Iowa $43,860 11% below national
30 Connecticut $41,080 16% below national
31 Indiana $39,110 20% below national

Salary by Metro Area

Highest Paying Metros

1. Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $79,120 2. Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $63,320 3. Tulsa, OK $58,210 4. Peoria, IL $56,840 5. Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $52,260

Lowest Paying Metros

19. Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area $29,290 20. Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $35,660 21. Oklahoma City, OK $37,340 22. Pittsburgh, PA $40,170 23. Knoxville, TN $41,710
View all 23 metro areas →
# Metro Area Median Salary vs National
1 Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $79,120 +61% above national
2 Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $63,320 +29% above national
3 Tulsa, OK $58,210 +19% above national
4 Peoria, IL $56,840 +16% above national
5 Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $52,260 +6% above national
6 Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN $51,740 +5% above national
7 Cleveland, OH $51,670 +5% above national
8 San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $50,920 +4% above national
9 New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $50,810 +4% above national
10 Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $49,080 same as national
11 Elkhart-Goshen, IN $48,480 1% below national
12 Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ $48,140 2% below national
13 Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $47,330 4% below national
14 Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $47,010 4% below national
15 Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX $46,460 5% below national
16 Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $46,270 6% below national
17 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $45,960 6% below national
18 Chattanooga, TN-GA $41,810 15% below national
19 Knoxville, TN $41,710 15% below national
20 Pittsburgh, PA $40,170 18% below national
21 Oklahoma City, OK $37,340 24% below national
22 Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $35,660 27% below national
23 Northern Indiana nonmetropolitan area $29,290 40% below national

Similar Occupations in the Same Category

Other roles in SOC major group 51 (production) with comparable pay and career paths.

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SOC 51-2011

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SOC 51-3011

Butchers and Meat Cutters

SOC 51-3021

Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters

SOC 51-7011
Compare Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic side-by-side with another occupation →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make? ▼
The median annual salary for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is $49,080 ($23.60/hour). The salary range spans from $36,300 at the 10th percentile to $68,410 at the 90th percentile.
What state pays Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic the most? ▼
Virginia pays the highest median salary for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic at $90,390/year, which is +84% above the national median.
What education do you need to become a Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic? ▼
The typical entry-level education for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is High school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
How dangerous is being a Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic? ▼
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic has a safety grade of B (Safe) based on BLS data. The fatality rate is 3.5 per 100,000 workers and the injury rate is 3.2 per 100 workers.
Is Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic a good career? ▼
Employment for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to decline 19.6% from 2024 to 2034, which is declining. About 400 openings are projected each year.
How does Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay vary by state? ▼
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salaries vary significantly by state. The highest-paying state is Virginia at $90,390/year, while Missouri pays the least at $44,990/year. BLS data covers 31 states and territories.
Which metro areas pay the most for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic? ▼
The highest-paying metro area for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH at $79,120/year. BLS reports wage data for 23 metro areas for this occupation, with pay varying based on local demand and cost of living.

What to do with this data

How to use Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay figures in a real decision

  • For an experienced offer, anchor on the 75th percentile (about $57,940/year), not the median. The median marks the middle worker; the upper quartile is the realistic target with strong experience. Salary calculator
  • Location moves pay significantly: Virginia leads at $90,390/year for this role. Weigh state pay against local cost of living before relocating or negotiating remote. Pay by state
  • Compare this occupation against similar roles before you decide, so you are reading the pay band in context rather than in isolation. Compare jobs

These are BLS survey estimates for the occupation, not a salary offer or a prediction for any individual. Your pay depends on experience, employer, exact role, and location.

Data as of May 2025. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 annual release. Employment projections from BLS Employment Projections program, 2024–2034. Data reflects cross-industry estimates for all ownership types.

These are survey estimates for the occupation, not a salary offer or a prediction for any individual. See how to use them.

Every figure on WageDex is rendered directly from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, no number is typed in by an editor. This occupation's figures are computed directly from the BLS OEWS and Employment Projections datasets, nothing is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of May 2025.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or career advice. Actual pay for a specific role, employer, or offer may differ from these national/state figures, consult a qualified career counselor, recruiter, or financial advisor before making decisions based on this data.