Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Drilling Machine Operator
What drilling machine operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a drilling machine operator?
Review the drawing. From there, the day usually includes set up drilling machines, select tools, and clamp parts. Full time, often shifts.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a drilling machine operator working full time.
- Review the drawing.
- Set up a fixture.
- Drill first article.
- Measure holes.
- Run production.
- Change drill bits.
- Clean the machine.
Where drilling machine operators work
Operators work in machine shops and plants.
Hours and schedule
Full time, often shifts.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Set up drilling machines
- Select tools
- Clamp parts
- Drill and tap holes
- Ream and countersink
- Measure holes
- Maintain tools
Tools you’ll use every day
- Drill presses
- Boring mills
- Drill bits
- Taps
- Calipers
- Pin gauges
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- No degree needed
- Path to machinist
- Steady shop work
- Precision
What’s hard
- Declining employment
- Repetitive
- Noise
- Metal chips
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like precision
- I like machines
- I can follow drawings
- I like measuring
- I want a path to machining
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Drilling Machine Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Clamp parts securely
- Never hold parts by hand
- Wear eye protection
- No gloves near spinning bits