Career comparison
Drilling Machine Operator vs. Lathe Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Lathe operators earn more at the median ($50,620 vs. $49,080), while drilling machine operators usually get to work faster (A few months on the job of training). Drilling machine operators set up and run drilling and boring machines to make precise holes in metal parts. Lathe operators turn metal on a lathe to make shafts, bushings and round parts.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Drilling Machine Operator | Lathe Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $49,080 ($23.60/hr) | $50,620 ($24.34/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $36,300 – $68,410 | $36,670 – $69,700 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | -9.5% (a projected decline) | -11.3% (a projected decline) |
| Openings per year | 400 | 1,400 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | A few months on the job | A few months on the job |
| Key credential | NIMS Drill Press | NIMS Turning |
| Work setting | Operators work in machine shops and plants.. | Operators work in machine shops and plants.. |
What each job does
Drilling Machine Operator
- Set up drilling machines
- Select tools
- Clamp parts
- Drill and tap holes
- Ream and countersink
Lathe Operator
- Set up lathes
- Select tooling
- Turn diameters
- Cut threads
- Bore and face
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, steady routines, indoor work, and working independently. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose drilling machine operator if…
- I like precision
- I like machines
- I can follow drawings
Choose lathe operator if…
- I like precision
- I like machines
- I can follow drawings
Still torn? Take the Drilling Machine Operator fit quiz and the Lathe Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, drilling machine operator or lathe operator?
Lathe Operators earn more at the median: $50,620 versus $49,080 for drilling machine operators, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Drilling Machine Operators typically train faster (A few months on the job) than lathe operators (A few months on the job).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects drilling machine operators to grow -9.5% from 2025–35, compared with -11.3% for lathe operators.