Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Production Occupations- O*NET-SOC code
- 51-4032.00
Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.
- Data source: BLSPublished: 2026-08
Low· relative
LowFour relative bandsVery highGroup-level value
Scale, basis and source
Four relative bands (Low / Moderate / High / Very high)
831 detailed occupations in the BLS Employment Projections table. Assigned per National Employment Matrix (NEM) code, so occupations sharing a NEM code carry the same band
- Data source: AnthropicPublished: 2026-03
0.000
0.000Range of values carried here0.745Scale, basis and source
Observed exposure index, 0–1 as published
Mapped onto O*NET tasks
Published per SOC 2018 occupation; every O*NET occupation with the same SOC 2018 code carries this value
- Data source: ILOPublished: 2025
0.17–0.18· 2 ISCO-08 groups
Scale, basis and source
Generative AI exposure index, 0–1 as published
Published per ISCO-08 unit group. Linked to this occupation, wholly or in part, by applying U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (ISCO-08 to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to 2018 SOC) as published
What kind of figure this source publishes
The BLS category is a relative rank, not an absolute level, and it is not a first-hand measurement: it groups an occupation's percentile ranks across several published studies into four bands. It is not an employment or wage forecast, not a probability of adoption, and it does not separate automation from augmentation.
ILO value for each linked ISCO-08 group
- ISCO-08 7223Metal Working Machine Tool Setters and Operators0.18
- ISCO-08 8142Plastic Products Machine Operators0.17
Task-level exposure
Exposed tasks only17 rated tasks · 1 tasks with β ≥ 0.5 (5.9%)
β = direct exposure (E1) + 0.5 × exposure when tools are available (E2), per the source repository's definition.
- Source unit: O*NET 27.2 tasks → O*NET 31.0 occupation code
- All rated tasks are in the O*NET 31.0 task list.
- Source
- OpenAI "GPTs are GPTs" exposure rubric
- Release
- gh-main-0471612
- License
- MIT License, Copyright (c) 2024 OpenAI
| Task (O*NET 20.1) | Claude.aiRaw / share % |
|---|---|
Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.51-4032.00 | 0.0022100.0 |
| Not observed on any surface — 16 task(s) — These tasks have no row in the source for this release. The 0 in the share row is a display-stage composition ratio; absence is what the — in the raw row states. | |
Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges. | —0 |
Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties. | —0 |
Install tools in spindles. | —0 |
Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches. | —0 |
Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices. | —0 |
Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds. | —0 |
Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas. | —0 |
Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces. | —0 |
Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations. | —0 |
Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems. | —0 |
Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces. | —0 |
Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques. | —0 |
Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools. | —0 |
Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles. | —0 |
Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models. | —0 |
Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders. | —0 |
Values in this tab are predicted labels, not observations. Eloundou et al. (2023) published two rating regimes — human raters and GPT-4 — and the β shown here is derived from the GPT-4 rater basis alone; the same task can take a different value under the other regime. The unit and the meaning differ from the observed shares (%) in the other tabs, so do not place them on the same axis.
| Task (O*NET 27.2) | βE1 + 0.5 × E2 |
|---|---|
Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.O*NET Task ID 11975 | 0.5 |
Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.O*NET Task ID 11974 | 0.0 |
Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.O*NET Task ID 11976 | 0.0 |
Install tools in spindles.O*NET Task ID 11977 | 0.0 |
Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.O*NET Task ID 11978 | 0.0 |
Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.O*NET Task ID 11979 | 0.0 |
Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.O*NET Task ID 11980 | 0.0 |
Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.O*NET Task ID 11981 | 0.0 |
Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.O*NET Task ID 11982 | 0.0 |
Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.O*NET Task ID 11983 | 0.0 |
Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.O*NET Task ID 11984 | 0.0 |
Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.O*NET Task ID 11985 | 0.0 |
Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.O*NET Task ID 11986 | 0.0 |
Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.O*NET Task ID 11987 | 0.0 |
Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.O*NET Task ID 11988 | 0.0 |
Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models.O*NET Task ID 11989 | 0.0 |
Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.O*NET Task ID 11990 | 0.0 |
β = E1 + 0.5 × E2 · E1 = tasks where direct LLM access alone cuts time by at least 50%, E2 = tasks where software built on top of an LLM cuts time by at least 50%. Values take only 0 / 0.5 / 1.0.
Data sources & licenses — O*NET®, Anthropic Economic Index, Eloundou et al. (2023): see full notices on the Credits page
All O*NET 31.0 task statements (17)
All O*NET 31.0 task statements for this occupation (English, as published; task type core or supplemental). Exposure values are not listed here; they are in the table above, next to each task statement as worded in the O*NET version each source used.
| Task (O*NET 31.0) | Type |
|---|---|
| Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges. | Core |
| Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements. | Core |
| Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties. | Core |
| Install tools in spindles. | Core |
| Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches. | Core |
| Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices. | Core |
| Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds. | Core |
| Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas. | Core |
| Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces. | Core |
| Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations. | Core |
| Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems. | Core |
| Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces. | Core |
| Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques. | Core |
| Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools. | Core |
| Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles. | Core |
| Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders. | Core |
| Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models. | Supplemental |
0.94/ 3· Robot exposure index
Scale, basis and source
Each physical task is graded 0–3 by the setting in which robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated could do it (0 none · 1 purpose-built robot settings such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line · 2 structured facilities such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port · 3 unstructured settings such as a private home or a construction site), and the grades are averaged by share of working time
Physical tasks among this occupation's O*NET 29.3 tasks
Anthropic estimated the grades and time shares with Claude Opus 5 using web search, as of 2026.
The robot exposure index is a different measure from the AI exposure figures on this site and cannot be added to or compared with them. It does not measure actual adoption or cost, and 0 also covers occupations with no physical tasks.
Tier of each physical task
Robot environment tiers (E0–E3)
E0 noneDetails
Rated not doable by robots that have been deployed, sold or demonstrated, even in a purpose-built setting
E1 purpose-built robot settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting built around the machine, such as a fenced machine cell or a bottling line
E2 structured facilitiesDetails
Rated doable in a human work facility that an institution keeps to a working standard, such as a hospital pharmacy or a container port
E3 unstructured settingsDetails
Rated doable in a setting that no institution keeps to a working standard, such as a private home or a construction site
Only tasks classified as physical are listed; other tasks have no tier in the source.
| Task (O*NET 29.3) | Robot environment tier |
|---|---|
| Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Install tools in spindles. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds. | E2 structured facilities |
| Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas. | E2 structured facilities |
| Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
| Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models. | E1 purpose-built robot settings |
Occupation information
Employment outlook (BLS)
- Employment, 2025
- 5K
- Projected employment, 2035
- 4K
- Change (2025–35)
- -9.5%
- Median annual wage, 2025
- $49,080
- Typical education needed for entry
- High school diploma or equivalent
Korea classification links (KSCO)
Links from the current release of the Korea Occupation Direct Crosswalk v1.1, made by AI Changing Work. Relation values are read from the O*NET-SOC occupation side.
| KSCO code | KSCO title | Relation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85103 | 드릴링기 및 보링기 조작원 | This occupation is broader | confirmed |
Relation and status definitions(kr-direct v1.1)
ILO occupational description
AI Changing Work links the ISCO-08 unit groups below to this occupation by applying the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics crosswalks (2018 SOC to 2010 SOC, 2010 SOC to ISCO-08) as published, without case-by-case selection; each link may be whole or partial.
- ISCO-08 7223Metal Working Machine Tool Setters and Operators
- ISCO-08 8142Plastic Products Machine Operators
Sources: ILO ISCO-08 — details: Credits
ESCO occupational vocabulary
Each entry below is matched to this occupation in the published ESCO-O*NET Crosswalk (version 1, 2022). The match types are that crosswalk's; the wording is AI Changing Work's.
- boring machine operatorESCO 7223.1This occupation is broader
Boring machine operators prepare, operate, and maintain single or multiple spindle machines using a boring bar with a hardened, rotary, multipointed cutting tool in order to enlarge an existing hole in a fabricated workpiece.
- drill press operatorESCO 7223.6This occupation is broader
Drill press operators set up and operate drill presses designed to cut excess material from or enlarge a hole in a fabricated workpiece using a hardened, rotary, multipointed cutting tool that inserts the drill into the workpiece axially.
- drilling machine operatorESCO 7223.5This occupation is broader
Drilling machine operators set up, program and control drilling machines, designed to drill holes in workpieces using a computer-controlled, rotary-cutting, multipointed cutting tool, inserted into the workpiece axially. They read drilling machine blueprints and tooling instructions, perform regular machine maintenance, and make adjustments to the drilling controls, such as the depth of drills or the rotation speed.
- metal nibbling operatorESCO 7223.11Overlapping, not the same
Metal nibbling operators cut detailed patterns from metal surfaces by using manual or powered metal nibblers, such as a handheld nibbling drill or a nibbling machine.
- stone drillerESCO 8112.3Overlapping, not the same
Stone drillers operate the drilling machine that bores holes into stone blocks. They manipulate granit, sandstone, marble and slate according to specifications.
- wood boring machine operatorESCO 7523.2Overlapping, not the same
Wood boring machine operators use milling machines or specialise boring jigs to cut holes in wood workpieces. Wood boring differs from routing mainly in that the main movement is into the workpiece as opposed to across its surface.
Source: European Commission, DG EMPL — ESCO API 2026-08-08 (bridge v1.2.1)
License: CC BY 4.0 (EU Reuse Notice)
ESCO reuse terms and the modification notice are in Credits.
France classification links (ROME)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and ROME 4.0 job profiles, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side. Links marked “provisional” were adopted on the judgments of two judges from the same model family (Claude) alone, or by an operator rule applied to their judgments, so they rest on weaker evidence than confirmed links.
| ROME code | ROME title (French) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| H2903 | Usineur / Usineuse | This occupation is narrower |
Source: France Travail — Répertoire Opérationnel des Métiers et des Emplois (ROME 4.0), version 61, last updated 15 June 2026 (https://www.data.gouv.fr/datasets/repertoire-operationnel-des-metiers-et-des-emplois-rome). Licence Ouverte 2.0.
ROME codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET-SOC occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a France Travail correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: fr-direct v1)
Spain classification links (CNO-11)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and CNO-11 occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| CNO-11 code | CNO-11 title (Spanish) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 7323 | Ajustadores y operadores de máquinas-herramienta | This occupation is narrowerprovisional |
Source: Instituto Nacional de Estadística (INE), National Classification of Occupations 2011 (CNO-11, Royal Decree 1591/2010) — www.ine.es · Licensed CC BY 4.0. CNO-11 codes and Spanish titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not an INE correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: es-direct v1)
Germany classification links (KldB)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and KldB occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| KldB code | KldB title (German) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 24232 | Berufe in der spanenden Metallbearbeitung - fachlich ausgerichtete Tätigkeiten | This occupation is narrower |
| 24201 | Berufe in der Metallbearbeitung (ohne Spezialisierung) - Helfer-/Anlerntätigkeiten | Related, not a match |
Source: © Statistik der Bundesagentur für Arbeit — Klassifikation der Berufe 2010 – überarbeitete Fassung 2020, https://statistik.arbeitsagentur.de. KldB codes and titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own mapping (eigene Zuordnung) and are not a Bundesagentur für Arbeit correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: de-direct v1)
Japan classification links (JSCO)
AI Changing Work's links between this occupation and JSCO occupations, judged with AI models. Relations are read from this occupation's side.
| JSCO code | JSCO title (Japanese) | Relation |
|---|---|---|
| 523 | 金属工作機械作業従事者 | This occupation is narrower |
Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), Japan Standard Occupational Classification (Dec. 2009, MIC Notification No. 555). JSCO codes and Japanese titles are reproduced unchanged; the links to O*NET occupations are AI Changing Work's own judgment and are not a MIC correspondence.
(AI Changing Work link release: jp-direct v1)
Sources, licenses and AI Changing Work's modification and translation notices for this page: Credits & sources