What Does a Lathe Operator Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does a lathe operator do?

Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators and tenders, metal and plastic, set up, operate or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread or face metal or plastic materials. The median pay is $50,620 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -11.3% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$50,620
$24.34/hour · May 2025
Job growth
-11.3%
2025–35, a projected decline
Openings per year
1,400
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS classification
Time to train
A few months on the job
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
16,700
Employment, 2025

What lathe operators do

Lathe operators make round parts. They set up manual and turret lathes, pick tools, set speeds and feeds, turn diameters, cut threads, bore holes and measure parts to tight tolerances.

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects decline as CNC lathes take over.

Typical duties

Set up lathes
Select tooling
Turn diameters
Cut threads
Bore and face
Measure parts
Maintain machines

Work environment and schedule

Operators work in machine shops and plants.

Schedule: Full time, often shifts.

A day in the life

6:00 AMReview the print.
6:30 AMChuck the stock.
7:00 AMFace and turn.
8:00 AMMeasure diameters.

See a full day in the life of a lathe operator →

Lathe Operator salary

Half of lathe operators earned more than $50,620 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $36,670 for the lowest 10% to $69,700 for the top 10%.

$36,67010th$50,620Median$69,70090th

Full lathe operator pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a lathe operator

Finish high school
Take machining classes
Get hired
Earn NIMS credentials
Advance

A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a lathe operator →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Lathe setup
Turning
Threading
Boring
Measurement

People skills

Precision
Patience
Focus
Reliability

All lathe operator skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Classic machining skill
Path to machinist
No degree needed
Precision work

Cons

Declining employment
Chips and coolant
Noise
Standing

Certifications and licenses

NIMS Turning: Credential.
Machining certificate: Community college.
OSHA 10: Safety.
Blueprint reading course: Helpful.

Career path

Operator: Entry.
Setup Operator: Setups.
Machinist: Machining.
Lead Machinist: Lead.

Learn the job before day one

Our Lathe Operator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as turn a diameter on a manual lathe and cut threads on a lathe, safety and how to land your first job.

View Lathe Operator training Is this career right for me?

CNC Machinist

Set up and run computer-controlled machines that cut precision metal parts.

$58,750
6–24 months

Milling Machine Operator

Cut slots, pockets and flat surfaces in metal with milling machines.

$52,800
A few months on the job

CNC Operator

Run computer-controlled machines that cut precise metal and plastic parts.

$50,690
A few months on the job

Tool and Die Maker

Build the precision dies, molds and tools factories use to make parts.

$64,050
4 years (apprenticeship)

Compare: Lathe Operator vs. CNC Machinist · Lathe Operator vs. Milling Machine Operator · Lathe Operator vs. CNC Operator · Lathe Operator vs. Tool and Die Maker

Lathe Operator FAQ

Do I need a degree?

No.

Is the job declining?

BLS projects decline as CNC grows.

Can I move to CNC?

Yes, lathe skills transfer.

How much does a lathe operator make?

The median annual wage for lathe operators was $50,620 ($24.34 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,670 and the highest 10% earned more than $69,700.

How long does it take to become a lathe 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 lathe 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.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-4034 (Lathe and turning 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 Lathe and turning 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.

Lathe Operator