FAQ
Drilling Machine Operator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a drilling machine operator.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a drilling machine operator: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about drilling machine operators
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline as CNC grows.
Can I become a machinist?
Yes.
How much does a drilling machine operator make?
The median annual wage for drilling machine operators was $49,080 ($23.60 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,300 and the highest 10% earned more than $68,410.
How long does it take to become a drilling machine operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a drilling machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is drilling machine operator a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change -9.5% from 2025–35 (a projected decline), with about 400 openings each year. Upsides include no degree needed; a common challenge is that declining employment.
What skills does a drilling machine operator need?
Key technical skills include drill press setup, speeds and feeds, tapping, and measurement. Employers also value precision, focus, and reliability.
What certifications are available for drilling machine operators?
Common credentials include NIMS Drill Press, Machining certificate, OSHA 10, and Blueprint reading course. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Drilling Machine Operator fit quiz, compare with CNC Machinist, or explore Drilling Machine Operator training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-4032 (Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Drilling and boring machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.