Job description template

Lathe Operator Job Description Template

A copy-ready lathe operator job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows lathe operators earn a median of $50,620 ($24.34/hour); the middle 50% earn $43,250–$60,700.

Job title

Lathe Operator

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable lathe operator to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will set up lathes, select tooling and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Set up lathes
  • Select tooling
  • Turn diameters
  • Cut threads
  • Bore and face
  • Measure parts
  • Maintain machines
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Working knowledge of lathe setup and turning
  • Precision and patience
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • NIMS Turning
  • Machining certificate
  • OSHA 10
  • Experience with lathes

Skills

  • Threading
  • Boring
  • Measurement
  • Blueprint reading
  • Focus
  • Reliability

Work environment and schedule

Operators work in machine shops and plants. Full time, often shifts.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a lathe operator job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Lathe Operator” is the clearest; alternates include Lathe Machinist, Turning Machine Operator, Manual Lathe Operator.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a lathe operator so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Lathe Operator training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Lathe Operator hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing