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, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.
Also called: 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
Median pay (national)
$48,620
$36,200–$65,450 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
18,970
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
-13.6%
~1,500 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $65,450 versus $36,200 at the bottom 10% — 1.8x. The median of $48,620 leaves roughly 35% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change -13.6% from 2024 to 2034 — a projected decline, against +3% across all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 1,500 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 40 states with released data, Maine pays the most for this role (median $62,120, +28% vs the national median), while Mississippi sits lowest at $31,480 — a 97% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Monitoring as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list.
Tailor your resume to Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Honest tailoring
See how your resume lines up with Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Refit re-angles your real experience toward this role using the skills above — and never invents skills you don't have. A no-fabrication gate checks every change before you see it.
Free. No account needed to see your first re-fit.
Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
- Learning Strategies
- Science
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
- Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
- Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
- Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
- Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
- Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
- Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
- Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
- Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.
Tools & technology
- Autodesk HSMWorks
- Computer numerical control CNC editor software
- G-code
- Inventory tracking software
- M-code
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics