Takeover Tracker
41%medium risk

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

Set up, operate, or tend drilling machines to drill, bore, ream, mill, or countersink metal or plastic work pieces.

Higher risk than 83% of occupations
Checking for existing plan...

How AI Impacts Each Task

17 tasks analyzed

Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.

Risk: 43.0%AI: 25EstimatedTime: 10%

Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.

Risk: 72.4%AI: 57.95ObservedTime: 8%

Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.

Risk: 41.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 5%

Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.

Risk: 87.2%AI: 95EstimatedTime: 5%

Install tools in spindles.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 5%

Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.

Risk: 61.0%AI: 70EstimatedTime: 10%

Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.

Risk: 57.0%AI: 60EstimatedTime: 5%

Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.

Risk: 41.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 10%

Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.

Risk: 63.0%AI: 75EstimatedTime: 10%

Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.

Risk: 41.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 5%

Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.

Risk: 45.0%AI: 30EstimatedTime: 4%

Lay out reference lines and machining locations on work, using layout tools, and applying knowledge of shop math and layout techniques.

Risk: 84.0%AI: 87EstimatedTime: 5%

Operate single- or multiple-spindle drill presses to bore holes so that machining operations can be performed on metal or plastic workpieces.

Risk: 59.0%AI: 65EstimatedTime: 8%

Turn valves and direct flow of coolants or cutting oil over cutting areas.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 3%

Perform minor assembly, such as fastening parts with nuts, bolts, or screws, using power tools or hand tools.

Risk: 41.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 3%

Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.

Risk: 41.0%AI: 20EstimatedTime: 2%

Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models.

Risk: 49.0%AI: 40EstimatedTime: 2%

Skill Impact Analysis

AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)

Mathematics10%

High reliance on Mathematics is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Information Ordering5%

High reliance on Information Ordering is a risk area. Consider developing complementary AI-resistant skills to maintain value.

Reading Comprehension10%

Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Mathematics10%

Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Memorization5%

Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

Programming15%

Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.

AI-Resistant Skills (11)

Adaptability/Flexibility85%

Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Manual Dexterity80%

Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Leadership88%

Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Complex Problem Solving75%

Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Social Perceptiveness90%

Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Equipment Maintenance78%

Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Coordination70%

Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Negotiation85%

Negotiation is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.

Recommended Courses

Courses matched to Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic skill gaps, ranked by relevance to your displacement risk profile.

Get personalized recommendations. Answer a few questions about your experience and skills to get course suggestions tailored specifically to you.

Upskill to Reduce Risk

Courses addressing your most AI-vulnerable skills

DataCampbeginner

SQL Fundamentals Skill Track

by DataCamp

21 hours$25/mo4.7Certificate
Addresses vulnerability: Information Ordering

Estimated Impact

-6.8pt risk+$2K/yr salary

AI-Augmentation Tools

Learn to work alongside AI and boost your productivity

Pluralsightbeginner

Cybersecurity Fundamentals Path

by Pluralsight

30 hours$29/mo4.5Certificate
Enhances AI augmentation: Monitoring

Estimated Impact

-4.9pt risk+$2K/yr salary

Strengthen Your Edge

Double down on skills AI can't replicate

Coursera

Inspired Leadership Through Emotional Intelligence

by Case Western Reserve University

32 hours$49/mo4.8Certificate
Strengthens resilience: Adaptability/Flexibility

Estimated Impact

-3.5pt risk+$2K/yr salary

We may earn a commission when you enroll through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps fund the Takeover Tracker.

Risk reduction and salary impact are estimates based on skill gap analysis, course relevance, and labor market data. Actual results vary by individual circumstance.

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Score History

Risk score over 2 scoring runs

-2.2

overall change

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

Less than High School1%
High School Diploma45%
Some College33%
Post-Secondary Certificate12%
Master's Degree6%
Level 103%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None10%
Up to 1 month8%
3-6 months8%
6 months - 1 year13%
1-2 years21%
2-4 years24%
4-6 years14%
6-8 years1%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

None4%
Up to 1 month22%
1-3 months16%
3-6 months20%
6 months - 1 year21%
1-2 years9%
2-4 years6%
4-6 years1%

Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis