Will AI replace Drilling Machine Operator?

In part. We think AI will eventually automate a real share of this work, but skilled operators who can adapt will still have a path forward. Drilling and boring machines were already largely automated by CNC technology before AI entered the picture. Now AI is adding real-time decision-making on top, like systems that adjust coolant and machining strategy based on live sensor data to extend tool life . That combination puts a lot of the repetitive, button-pushing work at genuine risk, which is why we gave this role a 30.4% AI Resilience Score. That said, setup, workholding, blueprint reading, and troubleshooting still depend on human judgment, and AI adoption in smaller shops is slower than headlines suggest. Only 6% of American manufacturers currently use any robot at all, partly because of cost and integration challenges (mmsonline.com, advancedmanufacturing.org). The workers who will do best are those who learn to program, supervise, and troubleshoot AI-assisted machines rather than just run them. If you are in this field, think about your career as a journey toward broader machining skills. CNC programming, quality inspection, and process technician roles are natural next steps. The machines still need someone who knows when something looks wrong.

How is AI changing Drilling Machine Operator jobs?

If you're eyeing a career running drilling or boring machines, here's the honest picture: the physical act of drilling holes has been mostly automated for years by CNC (computer numerical control) machines — what's new in 2026 is AI adding a "brain" on top of those machines. For example, DMG MORI's Adaptive Drilling Control uses sensors to measure pressure, flow rate, and spindle load in real time, feeding a closed-loop system that adjusts coolant and machining strategy on the fly , which extends tool life by up to 30%. AI is also making shop-floor robots easier to work alongside humans — Modern Machine Shop reports that Universal Robots' UR AI Trainer lets operators guide cobots through tasks to train custom AI models, and FANUC now uses NVIDIA's Jetson Thor edge AI to dynamically avoid obstacles during palletizing . The good news: setup, workholding, blueprint interpretation, and troubleshooting still lean heavily on human judgment, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics still projects about 78,100 openings each year for metal and plastic machine workers through 2035, even as total employment declines about 7% .

How fast is AI adoption growing for Drilling Machine Operator?

Adoption is happening, but slower than headlines suggest. Modern Machine Shop notes that just 6% of American manufacturers use any robot at all, largely because robots have historically been "too hard to use and not capable enough" . Smaller shops face real cost hurdles — advancedmanufacturing.org (SME) reports SMMs struggle with tight budgets, legacy systems that don't integrate, and a technical-expertise gap compared to large OEMs . Worker attitudes matter too: a PwC and Manufacturing Institute survey found that 62% of frontline workers are skeptical of AI and only 24% are excited, with 54% of respondents reporting low confidence in leaders' readiness to guide AI change . Still, the money is coming — Deloitte's 2026 outlook found 80% of manufacturing executives plan to invest 20% or more of their improvement budgets in smart-manufacturing initiatives, with agentic AI expected to help capture knowledge from retiring workers . Translation for you: workers who learn to program, troubleshoot, and supervise AI-assisted machines will be in strong demand — the machines still need someone who can read a blueprint, set the job up right, and know when something looks wrong.

Not Very Resilient

Last Update: 10/7/2026

AI Resilience Score for Drilling Machine Operator:

30.4%

Median Score

Meaningful human contribution

Med

Long-term employer demand

Low

Sustained economic opportunity

Low

Our confidence in this score:

Medium

AI Resilience Report forDrilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

$49,080 median salary•400 annual openings•SOC Code: 51-4032.00

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are less resilient to AI impacts than most occupations, according to our analysis of 5 sources.

This career is labeled "Not Very Resilient" because the core physical task, drilling and boring holes in metal and plastic, has already been automated for years through CNC machines, and now AI is making those machines even smarter and more self-sufficient by adjusting settings in real time without human input. As AI tools like adaptive drilling controls and easier-to-use robots continue to improve, fewer workers will be needed to monitor and run these machines, which is reflected in the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 7% decline in total employment for this field.

Learn more about how you can thrive in this position

This role is not very resilient

This career is labeled "Not Very Resilient" because the core physical task, drilling and boring holes in metal and plastic, has already been automated for years through CNC machines, and now AI is making those machines even smarter and more self-sufficient by adjusting settings in real time without human input. As AI tools like adaptive drilling controls and easier-to-use robots continue to improve, fewer workers will be needed to monitor and run these machines, which is reflected in the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 7% decline in total employment for this field.

Read full analysis

Analysis of current AI resilience

Drilling Machine Operator

Updated quarterly

Your move

How can Drilling Machine Operator prepare for AI?

Learn to speak the language of CNC and AI-assisted machines, even if you never plan to stay in this field forever.

The analysis highlights tools like DMG MORI's Adaptive Drilling Control and Universal Robots' UR AI Trainer as examples of where manufacturing is heading, and understanding how these systems use sensors, closed-loop feedback, and edge AI (like NVIDIA's Jetson Thor) gives you a foundation that transfers to robotics, quality control, industrial engineering, and even technical sales. Start by taking a free or low-cost CNC programming course online, or look for a community college that lets you practice on real machines, so you can say you understand what the AI is actually doing, not just that it exists.

Build your "blueprint to problem" thinking skills, because that is exactly what AI still cannot do reliably.

The analysis specifically calls out blueprint interpretation, workholding setup, and troubleshooting as areas that still rely heavily on human judgment, even in shops using advanced automation. These analytical, spatial reasoning skills transfer directly into careers like mechanical design, quality assurance, manufacturing engineering, and technical project management, so practice reading technical drawings, taking apart and reassembling mechanical things, and explaining your reasoning out loud when you solve problems.

Position yourself as someone who can bridge the gap between skeptical workers and new technology.

The PwC and Manufacturing Institute survey mentioned in the analysis found that 62% of frontline workers are skeptical of AI and only 24% are excited, and 54% reported low confidence in their leaders' readiness to guide AI change. That gap is a real career opportunity. Practice explaining technical ideas in plain language, volunteer to help classmates or coworkers learn new software, and look into roles like training coordinator, operations supervisor, or change management consultant, all of which need people who can translate between the humans and the machines.

Study the business side of small and mid-sized manufacturers, because that is where the real complexity lives.

The analysis points out that smaller shops face tight budgets, legacy systems that do not integrate, and a technical expertise gap compared to large companies like FANUC or DMG MORI. Understanding why a small shop cannot just buy a new robot the way a big OEM can builds your ability to think about cost, tradeoffs, and implementation strategy, which are skills valued in consulting, operations management, supply chain, and entrepreneurship. Try shadowing a local manufacturer, asking about their technology challenges, or reading SME's Advanced Manufacturing content to understand the real constraints businesses face.

Treat every job or internship as a chance to document your adaptability, not just your tasks.

The analysis notes that Deloitte's 2026 outlook found 80% of manufacturing executives plan to invest 20% or more of their improvement budgets in smart manufacturing, including using agentic AI to capture knowledge from retiring workers. That means companies will increasingly value people who can learn fast, document what they know, and adapt as tools change. Start now by keeping a simple log of skills you pick up, problems you solved, and new tools you learned, so that when you are ready to pivot into a new role or industry, you have concrete evidence of your ability to grow alongside changing technology.

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More Career Info

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

They operate machines that drill or bore holes into metal and plastic parts, making sure everything fits together correctly for manufacturing products.

SOC Code:

51-4032.00•Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Parent Careers

Major Group:Production Occupations

Minor Group:Metal Workers and Plastic Workers

Broad Group:Machine Tool Cutting Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Employment & Wage Data

Median Wage

$49,080

Jobs (2025)

4,700

Growth (2025-35)

-9.5%

Annual Openings

400

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

None

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-2035

Task-Level AI Resilience Scores

AI-generated estimates of task resilience over the next 3 years

1

85% ResilienceSupplemental

Sharpen cutting tools, using bench grinders.

2

82% ResilienceCore Task

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

3

80% ResilienceCore Task

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

4

78% ResilienceCore Task

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

5

75% ResilienceCore Task

Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.

6

70% ResilienceCore Task

Install tools in spindles.

7

65% ResilienceSupplemental

Operate tracing attachments to duplicate contours from templates or models.

Tasks are ranked by their AI resilience, with the most resilient tasks shown first. Core tasks are essential functions of this occupation, while supplemental tasks provide additional context.

Not Very Resilient

30.4%

Methodology and Scoring Rationale

AI Resilience Report forDrilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

This role is not very resilient

Drilling Machine Operator

How is AI changing Drilling Machine Operator jobs?

Sources

How fast is AI adoption growing for Drilling Machine Operator?

Sources

Will AI replace Drilling Machine Operator?

Sources

How can Drilling Machine Operator prepare for AI?

Your Career Starts Here

Latest AI news for Drilling Machine Operator

More Career Info

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

Parent Careers

Similar Careers

Employment & Wage Data

Task-Level AI Resilience Scores

1

2

3

4

5

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7