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Lathe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AllStaff

Lathe Operator

Menomonee Falls, WI

$19.75 - $26/hr

Lathe Operator Highlights: * 1st or 2nd shift, Pay based on experience * Fulltime * Benefits available Lathe Operator Responsibilities: * Experienced vertical turning lathe set-up operators download ...

Snelling - Birmingham

Lathe Operator

Birmingham, AL

$30/hr

Snelling is recruiting a Lathe Operator for a steel company in the Birmingham area. If you're ready to join a team who is working to make the steel industry more sustainable and do meaningful work ...

Cox Machine Inc

Lathe Operator

Wichita, KS

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Lathe Operator Purpose A CNC Lathe Operator is responsible for setting up, programming, and operating CNC lathe machines to produce precision components according to engineering specifications. This ...

MJ Morgan Group

Lathe Operator

Antioch, TN · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Lathe Operator Location: Antioch, TN Shift : 3rd (9:00PM-5:30AM) Pay :$17--$18 Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and dependable Lathe Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have ...

A Finkl & Sons Co

Lathe Operator

Detroit, MI · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

The Lathe Operator plays a critical role in our manufacturing process by precisely shaping and machining steel components to meet exact specifications. This position requires operating lathe machines ...

A Finkl & Sons Co

Lathe Operator

Warren, MI · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

The Lathe Operator plays a critical role in our manufacturing process by precisely shaping and machining steel components to meet exact specifications. This position requires operating lathe machines ...

MJ Morgan Group

Lathe Operator

Antioch, TN · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Lathe Operator Location: Antioch, TN Shift : 3rd (9:00PM-5:30AM) Pay :$17--$18 Job Summary: We are seeking a skilled and dependable Lathe Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will have ...

Cox Machine, Inc.

Lathe Operator

Wichita, KS · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Lathe Operator Purpose A CNC Lathe Operator is responsible for setting up, programming, and operating CNC lathe machines to produce precision components according to engineering specifications. This ...

GA Telesis

Lathe Operator

Medley, FL · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

We are seeking an experienced and skilled aviation Lathe Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will operate and maintain precision lathe machinery used in the production and repair of ...

GA Telesis, LLC

Lathe Operator

Medley, FL · On-site

$19 - $24.75/hr

We are seeking an experienced and skilled aviation Lathe Operator to join our team. The ideal candidate will operate and maintain precision lathe machinery used in the production and repair of ...

Laboratory Testing LLC

Lathe Operator

Hatfield, PA · On-site

$18 - $26/hr

As a Lathe Operator, you will play a crucial role in our Machine Shop department, performing CNC and manual turning operations on materials provided by our valued customers. From setting up for long ...

EverStaff Manufacturing Skilled

Lathe Operator

Canton, OH · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

We are seeking a skilled and safety-focused Lathe Operator to join our manufacturing team. This hands-on role involves operating manual and CNC lathes to turn, face, center, and finish large metal ...

Andritz

Lathe Operator

Chesterton, IN · On-site

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

The Role Under the direction of the Working Shop Supervisor , the CNC Lathe Operator is responsible for Initiating machining processes, tool selections, feeds, and speeds for a variety of materials.

Wieland

Turret Lathe Operator

Kilgore, TX

$19 - $20/hr

The Turret Lathe Operator is responsible for operating turret lathe equipment to produce quality parts in accordance with production schedules, engineering specifications, and safety standards. This ...

Neptune Machine Inc

Lathe Operator

Brooklyn, NY

$60K - $80K/yr

Experience: We are seeking a lathe operator in a maintenance machine shop. Comfortable environment, low supervision, overtime available if interested. Pay: * 60k to 80k Benefits: * Company ...

S&A Solutions

CNC Lathe Operator

Macomb, MI

$20.70/hr

CNC Lathe Operator - Tier 1 Automotive Supplier (Macomb, MI) Now Hiring Experienced CNC Lathe Operators. We are a Tier 1 automotive supplier in Macomb, MI, looking for skilled CNC Lathe Operators to ...

Neptune Machine Inc

Lathe Operator

Brooklyn, NY

$60K - $80K/yr

Experience: We are seeking a lathe operator in a maintenance machine shop. Comfortable environment, low supervision, overtime available if interested. Pay: * 60k to 80k Benefits: * Company ...

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Lathe Operator information

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$13

$22

$28

How much do lathe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for lathe operator in the United States is $22.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lathe operator?

A lathe operator works with machinery to fabricate metal for the manufacturing industry. As a lathe operator, your duties include programming, monitoring, and operating a lathe machine to create new metal or plastic parts. A lathe operator typically needs a high school diploma or a GED certificate, as well as relevant work experience through on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Skills necessary for the career include strong math and mechanical aptitude, the ability to read blueprints, and knowledge of specialized computer software for controlling the lathe machine.

What does a lathe operator do?

A Lathe Operator is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining lathes—machines that rotate workpieces on their axes to cut, sand, drill, or shape materials such as metal, wood, or plastic. They read blueprints or technical drawings, select appropriate tools, and monitor the machining process to ensure parts meet precise specifications. Lathe Operators also inspect finished products for quality, make necessary adjustments to the machine, and perform routine maintenance to keep equipment in good working order.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lathe operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lathe Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, a solid understanding of machining processes, and typically a high school diploma or vocational training in machining. Familiarity with CNC and manual lathes, precision measuring tools, and reading blueprints is essential, and certifications like NIMS can be advantageous. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help ensure accuracy and safety in a team environment. These skills are crucial for maintaining product quality, minimizing errors, and supporting efficient manufacturing operations.

What are some common challenges lathe operators face when working with different materials, and how are they addressed?

Lathe Operators often encounter challenges when switching between materials such as steel, aluminum, or plastics, as each material requires different cutting speeds, tool types, and coolant usage. Adjusting machine settings and selecting the right tooling are critical to avoid defects like chatter marks or excessive tool wear. Operators must also monitor the machining process closely and perform regular quality checks to ensure dimensional accuracy and surface finish. Continuous training and experience help in troubleshooting issues quickly and maintaining productivity.

What is the difference between Lathe Operator vs Machinist?

AspectLathe OperatorMachinist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or apprenticeship often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, manufacturing plants, machine shopsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, industrial settings
Job ResponsibilitiesSet up and operate lathes to produce partsDesign, set up, operate various machine tools including lathes, mills, grinders
Industry UsageCommonly used in manufacturing and productionBroader role in manufacturing, often involving complex machining tasks

While both Lathe Operators and Machinists work with machine tools in manufacturing environments, Machinists typically have a broader skill set, including designing and setting up various machines. Lathe Operators focus specifically on operating lathes to produce parts, often with less emphasis on design or complex setups.

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Lathe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lathe Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,817 per year, or $22 per hour.

Lathe Operator

AllStaff

Menomonee Falls, WI

$19.75 - $26/hr

Full-time, Other

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Lathe Operator Highlights:

  • 1st or 2nd shift, Pay based on experience
  • Fulltime
  • Benefits available

Lathe Operator Responsibilities:

  • Experienced vertical turning lathe set-up operators download control programs into individual machines and perform test operations to guarantee the machine properly creates the precise part.
  • Set-up operators may work with a CNC programmer or modify the program directly before an entry-level operator takes over production.
  • Entry-level operators load materials, such as blocks of titanium, steel, aluminum, or plastic, into vertical turning lathe machines to be shaped
  • Inspects first-run piece and spot-checks succeeding pieces for conformance to specifications, using micrometers and precision dial gauges
  • They calculate the amount of material to be fed into the machine and adjust the operating speed based on vibrations and sounds that may indicate a malfunction.
  • Upon completion, an operator inspects the fabricated part to make sure that it matches specifications.
  • Operators are responsible for cleaning and maintaining equipment, and often operate multiple machines.

Lathe Operator Qualifications:

  • Previous experience setting up and operating CNC Vertical Turning Lathe machines5-10 years of VTL (Vertical Lathe) experience
  • Ability to read accurately and write clearly, perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately
  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Experience in shop math, tooling technology, blueprint reading and measurement of parts
  • Strong interpersonal skills including, but not limited to, contributing to a team-oriented environment, balancing team and individual responsibilities
  • Capable of lifting to 50 lbs. without accommodation
  • High School Diploma or GED

Allstaff is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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