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Lathe Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Link Manufacturing, Ltd.

Lathe Operator

Sioux Center, IA

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Schedule: Monday - Friday: 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM --- About Link At Link, our goal is to be a healthy organization that is great to work for, do business with, and to own. We believe our people make the ...

New

PFI

Machinist

Algona, IA · On-site

$20.25 - $27/hr

Manual Lathe Operator Non-Exempt Full-Time Travel Required: 0-10% Reports to: Production ManagerRevision Date: July 18, 2024 PURPOSE OF POSITION We are looking for a skilled Manual Lathe Operator to ...

Katalyst Systems Impact

CNC Operator

Davenport, IA

$27 - $34/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CNC Lathe Operator Davenport, IA | On-Site Monday-Friday | 6:00 AM - 2:30 PM (1st Shift) A well-established high-precision job shop in Davenport, IA specializing in complex, one-off and short-run ...

Aerotek

Cnc Lathe Machinist

Des Moines, IA

$22 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

CNC Lathe Machinist We are seeking an experienced CNC Lathe Machinist to independently interpret ... Hands-on experience setting up and operating CNC lathes and/or CNC mills. * Strong problem-solving ...

Aerotek

Machine Operator

Bettendorf, IA

$18 - $19/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Learn to operate a large lathe machine that cuts, threads, and shapes pipe * Help prepare materials ... Experience operating a lathe or other shop equipment * Plumbing, construction, manufacturing, or ...

Weiler

CNC Programmer - Lathe

Knoxville, IA · On-site

Creates setup sheet to clearly convey tooling, process, and set-up requirements to the machine operator. * Reviews set-up sheets for accuracy and competency. * Confers with engineers, production ...

Weiler

CNC Programmer - Lathe

Knoxville, IA · On-site

Creates setup sheet to clearly convey tooling, process, and set-up requirements to the machine operator. * Reviews set-up sheets for accuracy and competency. * Confers with engineers, production ...

Weiler

CNC Programmer - Lathe

Knoxville, IA · On-site

Creates setup sheet to clearly convey tooling, process, and set-up requirements to the machine operator. * Reviews set-up sheets for accuracy and competency. * Confers with engineers, production ...

WEILER INC

CNC Programmer - Lathe

Knoxville, IA · On-site

Creates setup sheet to clearly convey tooling, process, and set-up requirements to the machine operator. * Reviews set-up sheets for accuracy and competency. * Confers with engineers, production ...

Stellar Industries Inc

Machine Operator I

Kanawha, IA

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Successful candidate will be trained on Fabrication Department machines to include Mill, Lathe, Laser, Brake Press, Burnout Table and Saw. Will perform various tasks on these machines or other work ...

Stellar Industries

Machine Operator I

Kanawha, IA · On-site

Successful candidate will be trained on Fabrication Department machines to include Mill, Lathe, Laser, Brake Press, Burnout Table and Saw. Will perform various tasks on these machines or other work ...

Stellar Industries Inc

Machine Operator I

Kanawha, IA

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Successful candidate will be trained on Fabrication Department machines to include Mill, Lathe, Laser, Brake Press, Burnout Table and Saw. Will perform various tasks on these machines or other work ...

Stellar Industries

Machine Operator II

Garner, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Successful candidate will be trained on Fabrication Department machines to include Mill, Lathe, Laser, Brake Press, Burnout Table and Saw. Will perform various tasks on these machines or other work ...

Stellar Industries, Inc

Machine Operator II

Garner, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Successful candidate will be trained on Fabrication Department machines to include Mill, Lathe, Laser, Brake Press, Burnout Table and Saw. Will perform various tasks on these machines or other work ...

Stellar Industries Inc

Machine Operator I

Kanawha, IA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.50/hr

Successful candidate will be trained on Fabrication Department machines to include Mill, Lathe, Laser, Brake Press, Burnout Table and Saw. Will perform various tasks on these machines or other work ...

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All JobsLathe Operator JobsLathe Operator Jobs in Iowa

Lathe Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$20

$27

How much do lathe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for lathe operator in Iowa is $20.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 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.

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Lathe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lathe Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,035 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Lathe Operator

Link Manufacturing, Ltd.

Sioux Center, IA

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Schedule:

Monday – Friday: 6:00 AM – 2:30 PM

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About Link

At Link, our goal is to be a healthy organization that is great to work for, do business with, and to own. We believe our people make the difference, and we’re committed to creating a workplace built on respect, teamwork, and integrity.

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Key Responsibilities

  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment, adhering to all safety protocols and wearing required personal protective equipment
  • Follow safety protocols and guidelines at all times
  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues with machines as they arise
  • Perform regular maintenance on machines to keep them in good working conditions
  • Monitor machine operations to ensure quality and efficiency
  • Set up and operate machinery according to specifications

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Qualifications

  • Demonstrates a strong willingness to learn and grow
  • Reliable and dependable, with a consistent work ethic
  • Strong attention to detail with a commitment to quality work
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, fostering a respectful and team-oriented environment
  • Occasional overhead work and frequent neck flexion and extension

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Requirements

  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Must pass a pre-placement drug screen and physical

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Why Join Link?

  • Climate-controlled (air-conditioned) facility for a comfortable work environment
  • A culture that values servanthood—leading with humility and putting people first
  • Opportunities for growth and development—we encourage and reward performance
  • A team-oriented environment where diversity, skills, and ideas make us stronger

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Our Promise

At Link, we are committed to delivering great products, superior service, outstanding quality, and on-time delivery to every customer—while never compromising our integrity.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

Link is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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Apply today and join a team that lives its values every day!


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