About This Career Path
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.
Manufacturing
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.
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Average
$48,720
ANNUAL
$23.42
HOURLY
Entry Level
$34,570
ANNUAL
$16.62
HOURLY
Mid Level
$50,380
ANNUAL
$24.22
HOURLY
Expert Level
$60,390
ANNUAL
$29.03
HOURLY
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
50
Projected job openings through 2032
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Supporting Programs
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
01
Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
02
Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
03
Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
04
Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
05
Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
06
Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
07
Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
08
Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
09
Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
10
Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Production and Processing
KNOWLEDGE
Mechanical
KNOWLEDGE
Engineering and Technology
KNOWLEDGE
Education and Training
KNOWLEDGE
Administration and Management
SKILL
Operations Monitoring
SKILL
Operation and Control
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Equipment Maintenance
SKILL
Monitoring
ABILITY
Arm-Hand Steadiness
ABILITY
Control Precision
ABILITY
Near Vision
ABILITY
Finger Dexterity
ABILITY
Manual Dexterity
Manufacturing
Not sure where to begin?
Career Exploration