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Lathe operator: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 28, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$50,620median pay per year, or $24.34 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $36,670lowest 10% earn less
  2. $43,25025th percentile
  3. $50,620median
  4. $60,70075th percentile
  5. $69,700top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

The median pay for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators and tenders was $50,620 a year in May 2025[1]. Employment is projected to fall 11.3% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
-11.3%[2]
Openings per year
1,400[5]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[6]

How much do lathe operators make?

The median wage for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators and tenders of metal and plastic was $50,620 a year, or $24.34 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $52,490 a year, or $25.24 an hour[7]. The median for all occupations was $50,980 a year[4].

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $36,670 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $69,700[3]. A percentile is a boundary, and BLS does not publish a starting salary[8].

Percentile Annual Hourly
10th[3][9] $36,670 $17.63
25th[3][9] $43,250 $20.79
75th[3][9] $60,700 $29.18
90th[3][9] $69,700 $33.51

These figures cover wage and salary workers only. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses that are not tied to production, and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[10].

Pay by state and city

Colorado had the highest median annual wage at $71,670, based on 150 jobs[11]. Maine followed at $64,800, then Minnesota at $61,000, Massachusetts at $60,870 and California at $60,180[11]. Arkansas had the lowest listed median, $39,060[11].

California had the most jobs, 2,600, followed by Texas with 2,150 and Michigan with 1,540[12].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA had the highest median at $74,420[13]. Pittsburgh, PA followed at $66,500[13], then Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI at $64,950[13]. The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area had the most jobs, 1,280, with a median of $60,110[14].

Show median pay in 36 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Colorado[11]$71,670150
Maine$64,80080
Minnesota$61,000150
Massachusetts$60,870690
California$60,1802,600
Alabama$58,490100
Nevada$58,24060
Pennsylvania$57,020580
Arizona$55,840110
Illinois$54,9301,260
Maryland$54,86060
North Carolina$53,840310
West Virginia$53,66050
Wisconsin$51,020340
New York$50,760530
Louisiana$50,56090
Iowa$50,370180
Georgia$50,180100
Ohio$49,8801,180
South Carolina$49,490370
Indiana$49,420710
Connecticut$49,380690
New Hampshire$48,980150
Missouri$48,950160
Virginia$48,920210
New Jersey$48,180190
Texas$48,0202,150
Nebraska$47,350120
Kansas$47,31090
Kentucky$47,060250
Michigan$46,6801,540
Florida$44,710140
Oklahoma$43,680240
Oregon$41,64040
Tennessee$40,730700
Arkansas$39,060190

How to become a lathe operator

BLS lists a high school diploma as the typical education for entry, with no work experience in a related occupation and moderate-term on-the-job training[6]. The training details below come from a Handbook profile that covers a wider group of metal and plastic machine workers, not only lathe operators[15].

Training time depends on how complex the equipment is. Some operators and tenders learn basic machine operations in a few months, while CNC tool operators may train for up to 1 year[18]. Training on CAD, CAM and CNC equipment may help because computerized machines are common in manufacturing[19].

Community colleges and other schools may offer courses and certificates for running metal and plastic machines, with CNC programming among the topics[20]. Certification can show competence and help with advancement[21].

In an O*NET survey of 23 workers, 32% said a high school diploma or equivalent was required, 29% said some college courses, and 18% said less than a high school diploma[22]. That is a small survey, so treat it as a rough guide.

Useful qualities include computer skills, mechanical skills and the stamina to stand for long periods and do repetitive tasks[23][24][25].

Operators often move into setup or machinery maintenance jobs as they gain experience. Setup workers may become machinists, tool and die makers, or industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers[26]. Workers with good communication and analytical skills may move up to supervisor roles[27].

What lathe operators do

O*NET describes the job as setting up, running or tending lathes and turning machines that shape metal or plastic stock, such as wire, rod or bar[28]. Typical tasks include:

Job titles reported by workers include CNC lathe operator, setup operator, screw machine operator and machine operator[30].

Where they work

The Handbook profile for the wider group says fabricated metal product manufacturing was the largest employer, at 25% in 2025[31]. It says most of these workers are employed full time. Some work more than 40 hours a week, and evening and weekend work is common because many manufacturers run machines for long periods[32].

The profile notes that the machines are powerful and high-speed, and can be dangerous, so workers follow safety rules[33]. Operators usually wear protective gear such as safety glasses, earplugs and steel-toed boots[33]. Other safety equipment depends on the setting and the machine[34].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators and tenders to fall 11.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 16,700 to 14,800 jobs, a change of 1,900 fewer jobs[2]. Employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% over the same period[35]. BLS points to productivity change. Manufacturers are expected to use more CNC, automated and programmable machinery for some tasks these workers do now[36].

Even so, BLS expects about 1,400 openings a year on average from 2025 to 2035[5]. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations[5]. Each year, 4% of workers are expected to leave the labor force and 6.3% to move to a different occupation[37]. The OEWS count of about 16,710 jobs covers wage and salary jobs only, while the projection counts include self-employed workers[38][2].

Is it a good fit?

The facts describe a job that needs a high school diploma and on-the-job training rather than a degree[6]. Training can take a few months for basic machines and up to 1 year for CNC work[18]. Pay was close to the all-occupations median[1][4]. Employment is projected to shrink, and automation is the stated reason[2][36]. Openings still come up each year as workers retire or change jobs[5]. The work calls for comfort with machines and computers, and for standing and repetitive tasks[23][24][25].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[39].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a lathe operator make an hour?
The median was $24.34 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $25.24[1][7]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $17.63 an hour, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $33.51[9].
How long does it take to become a lathe operator?
In the wider Handbook group, some operators learn basic machine operations in a few months, and CNC tool operators may train for up to 1 year[18].
What education do you need to be a lathe operator?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education, with moderate-term on-the-job training[6].
Is lathe operator a job in demand?
Employment is projected to fall 11.3% from 2025 to 2035, while all occupations are projected to grow 3.5%[2][35]. About 1,400 openings a year are still expected[5].
What is the highest paying state for lathe operators?
Colorado had the highest median annual wage at $71,670, followed by Maine at $64,800[11].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the US was $50,620 per year and $24.34 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to decline 11.3% from 2025 to 2035, from about 16,700 to 14,800 jobs (a change of -1,900). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $36,670, 25th percentile $43,250, 75th percentile $60,700, 90th percentile $69,700. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 1,400 openings for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic was $52,490 per year and $25.24 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $17.63, 25th percentile $20.79, 75th percentile $29.18, 90th percentile $33.51. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. Median annual wage for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: California 2,600; Texas 2,150; Michigan 1,540; Illinois 1,260; Ohio 1,180. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (areas with at least 100 jobs): San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $74,420; Pittsburgh, PA $66,500; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $64,950; Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $61,890; San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA $61,050; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $60,110; Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT $59,740; Springfield, MA $59,030. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 1,280 (median $60,110); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 1,020 (median $47,900); Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 740 (median $49,210); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 590 (median $49,980); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 510 (median $61,890); San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA 360 (median $74,420). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Metal and Plastic Machine Workers" covers Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. O*NET 51-4034.00 survey of workers (23 respondents), education level they say is required: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 32%, Some College Courses 29%, Less than a High School Diploma 18%, Post-Secondary Certificate 12%, First Professional Degree 10% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  27. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. O*NET description of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
  29. O*NET task list for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
  30. O*NET 51-4034.00 sample job titles reported by workers: CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator), CNC Setup Operator (Computer Numerical Control Setup Operator), Lathe Operator, Machine Operator, Numerical Control Operator (NC Operator), Screw Machine Operator, Screw Machine Tool Setter, Setup Operator. O*NET OnLine
  31. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of metal and plastic machine workers in 2025: Fabricated metal product manufacturing 25%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: Productivity change - share decreases as manufacturers are expected to use more CNC, automated, and programmable machinery to perform some functions or tasks previously done by these workers. BLS Employment Projections
  37. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 4% of workers leave the labor force each year and 6.3% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  38. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 16,710 people were employed as Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  39. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.