Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Operators Make?
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Operators earn a median annual salary of $46,630 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $35,360 at the 10th percentile to $65,200 at the 90th percentile — a range of $29,840. The highest-paying state is Washington at $99,720.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,360 |
| 25th percentile | $41,100 |
| Median (50th) | $46,630 |
| 75th percentile | $56,820 |
| 90th percentile | $65,200 |
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $99,720 |
| Missouri | $99,630 |
| Massachusetts | $74,680 |
| Florida | $62,400 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,200 |
| New Hampshire | $57,900 |
| New York | $57,180 |
| Georgia | $56,740 |
| Illinois | $56,200 |
| New Jersey | $53,700 |
| South Carolina | $50,400 |
| Ohio | $50,090 |
| Colorado | $49,920 |
| Oklahoma | $49,470 |
| Virginia | $49,180 |
| Mississippi | $48,420 |
| California | $48,220 |
| North Carolina | $47,640 |
| Iowa | $47,110 |
| Maine | $47,090 |
| Arizona | $46,630 |
| Tennessee | $46,590 |
| Minnesota | $44,830 |
| Michigan | $43,870 |
| Texas | $43,600 |
| Alabama | $40,030 |
| Indiana | $37,910 |
| Wisconsin | $37,870 |
| Nebraska | $37,160 |
| Nevada | $35,130 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Operators
Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$35,360 – $41,100 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$46,630 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$56,820 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $65,200+ |
How to Earn More as a Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Operators in Florida earn $62,400 — $15,770 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($56,820) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Operatorthis career | $46,630 |
| Earth Driller | $59,600 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $63,760 |
| Extruding and Drawing Machine Operator | $46,980 |
| Forging Machine Operator | $49,240 |
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SOC: 51-4032.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.