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Lathe Machine Operator Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

CNC Programmer

Wichita, KS · On-site

$69 - $70/hr

... axis cutting, CNC Lathe and router programming to form or shape manufactured parts from raw ... Program future jobs while machines are operating and ensure the current revision level is accurate.

... Lathe, and Okamoto 12x24 surface grinders. This role ensures minimal downtime in a high-mix, low ... operators and programmers as needed. * Machine Calibration and Setup: * Calibrate machine ...

Maintenance Technician

Beloit, KS · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

... ST-10, Longem Manual Lathe, and Okamoto 12"x24" surface grinders. This role ensures minimal ... operators and programmers as needed. * Machine Calibration and Setup: * Calibrate machine ...

... ST-10, Longem Manual Lathe, and Okamoto 12"x24" surface grinders. This role ensures minimal ... operators and programmers as needed. * Machine Calibration and Setup: * Calibrate machine ...

... ST-10, Longem Manual Lathe, and Okamoto 12"x24" surface grinders. This role ensures minimal ... operators and programmers as needed. * Machine Calibration and Setup: * Calibrate machine ...

Showing results 41-60

Lathe Machine Operator information

See Kansas salary details

$11

$19

$25

How much do lathe machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for lathe machine operator in Kansas is $19.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by lathe machine operators, and how can they be overcome?

Lathe Machine Operators often face challenges such as maintaining tight tolerances, troubleshooting machine malfunctions, and managing production deadlines. Staying focused and organized helps minimize errors, while a proactive approach to machine maintenance can prevent breakdowns and unplanned downtime. Regular communication with supervisors and quality control teams ensures specifications are met and any issues are quickly addressed. Continuous learning and cross-training with other machinery can also help operators adapt to changing production needs and advance in their careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lathe machine operator?

To thrive as a Lathe Machine Operator, you need a solid understanding of machining principles, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to read technical blueprints, typically supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with CNC and manual lathe machines, precision measuring instruments, and safety procedures is commonly required, and some employers value certifications like NIMS. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help operators ensure accuracy and collaborate effectively with team members. These abilities are essential to maintain high-quality production, meet deadlines, and uphold safety standards in a manufacturing environment.

How much do manual lathe machine operators make?

Manual lathe machine operators typically earn between $35,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and proficiency in precision tools may earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing or heavy industry environments.

What is a lathe machine operator?

A Lathe Machine Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining a lathe machine to shape metal, wood, or other materials. They read blueprints, adjust machine settings, and ensure precision in cutting, drilling, and turning operations. Operators also inspect finished products for quality, make necessary adjustments, and follow safety protocols. Their role is crucial in manufacturing industries, including automotive, aerospace, and metalworking.

What are popular job titles related to Lathe Machine Operator jobs in Kansas? For Lathe Machine Operator jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lathe Machine Operator jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Lathe Machine Operator jobs in Kansas are:
Infographic showing various Lathe Machine Operator job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,862 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Fabrication Operator (3rd Shift)

Westlake Corporation

Mcpherson, KS • On-site

$16.25 - $18.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


Westlake Chemical rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 100 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Westlake offers you the potential to enrich your work life and career experience in an entrepreneurial environment. We work together to enhance peoples' lives through our products and presence in the communities in which we operate.
Westlake Pipe & Fittings, a Westlake division (NYSE:WLK), is one of the largest polyvinyl chloride pipe and fittings manufacturer in North America. With 23 manufacturing and distribution locations, the company supplies gasketed, solvent weld and restrained joint pipes and a wide range of fittings for a diverse list of markets including municipal water and sewer, plumbing, water well, pool and spa, and agricultural and turf irrigation. Westlake Pipe & Fittings is an industry leader in product development with Certa-Lok® spline-lock technology and product systems that are focused on building A Better Foundation. To learn more, visit the website at WestlakePipe.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.
SUMMARY
Responsible for all operations involved in making couplings for pipe.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
May include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Adhere to all safety policies and procedures; perform tasks in a safe manner.
  • Checks parts for dimensions.
  • Assists with procuring materials needed for production. Must use tape measure, plug gauge, dial indicator, inside caliper, dial caliper, and burr knife.
  • Must operate the various equipment to include cutting couplings, machining couplings on the lathes, drilling holes, putting in set screws, hydro testing couplings, and packaging.
  • Responsible for completion for production and quality paperwork.
  • Answer employee technical questions when information is known.
  • Direct employees to Fabrication manager or HR/Safety Manger for other questions.
  • Contact Fabrication Manager or Fabrication Leader if problems arise.
  • In the event of an accident or injury immediately notify the Shift supervisor on duty.
  • Contact Maintenance Department to get equipment repaired when necessary.
  • Ability and willingness to take on additional assignments as requested by management.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions in English. Communication skills (written and verbal) and be able to work well with lathe operators, shift leaders an office personnel. Shares information with co-workers as needed.
  • Ability to read a tape measure, add and subtract two digit numbers, plus use calculator. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.
  • Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
  • Basic knowledge of computers and Microsoft Office.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40-50lbs., as well as standing or walking most of the shift. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid, hot and cold conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, outside weather conditions, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.
Westlake is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristics protected by applicable legislation.
If you are an active Westlake employee (or an employee of any Westlake affiliates), please do not apply here. You will apply via the Jobs Hub application in Workday.

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