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Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in IA

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in IA have a median annual salary of $43,860, with 110 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $40,720 at the 10th percentile to $61,020 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$43,860

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$21.09

Employment

110

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$40,720
10th
$40,720
25th
$43,860
Median
$52,940
75th
$61,020
90th

Local compared with national

IA

$43,860

Median annual · 2025

United States

$49,080

Median annual · 2025

The IA median is 10.6% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $5,220).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.6
  2. 2.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.1
  3. 3.MonitoringImportance 3.1
  4. 4.Operation and ControlImportance 3.1
  5. 5.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  6. 6.SpeakingImportance 3.0
  7. 7.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.0
  8. 8.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0
  10. 10.Time ManagementImportance 3.0
  11. 11.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.9
  12. 12.Active LearningImportance 2.8

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Automated inventory software
  • Computerized numerical control CNC software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
  • SAP software

Common tasks

  • Verify conformance of machined work to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as calipers, micrometers, or fixed or telescoping gauges.
  • Study machining instructions, job orders, or blueprints to determine dimensional or finish specifications, sequences of operations, setups, or tooling requirements.
  • Move machine controls to lower tools to workpieces and to engage automatic feeds.
  • Verify that workpiece reference lines are parallel to the axis of table rotation, using dial indicators mounted in spindles.
  • Establish zero reference points on workpieces, such as at the intersections of two edges or over hole locations.
  • Change worn cutting tools, using wrenches.
  • Select and set cutting speeds, feed rates, depths of cuts, and cutting tools, according to machining instructions or knowledge of metal properties.
  • Position and secure workpieces on tables, using bolts, jigs, clamps, shims, or other holding devices.
  • Observe drilling or boring machine operations to detect any problems.
  • Lift workpieces onto work tables either manually or with hoists or direct crane operators to lift and position workpieces.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in other locations

Other occupations in IA