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Lathe Operator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Boart Longyear

Machine Operator

West Valley City, UT · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

About the Position We are seeking a skilled mid-level CNC Lathe Operator to join our manufacturing team at Boart Longyear. In this role, you will be responsible for operating CNC lathes to machine ...

5N Plus

Refining Operator

Saint George, UT · On-site

$23/hr

We are seeking a Refining Operator 1 for a graveyard shift in the refining department. This is a ... CNC and manual lathe/mill machining background is preferred.Must be familiar with basic machine ...

B&T USA, LLC

CNC Set-Up Machinist

Herriman, UT

Instruct machine operators on proper operation techniques * Evaluate machine resources to ensure ... Ability to properly indicate a variety of lathe tooling. * Ability to work independently and stick ...

Sulzer AG

Manual Machinist

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

About the role As a Manual Machinist you will be responsible for setting up and operating machine ... ID / OD Grinders, Turret Lathe, Engine Lathe, Horizontal Boring Mill, Vertical Boring Mill, Radial ...

Sulzer AG

Manual Machinist

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

About the role As a Manual Machinist you will be responsible for setting up and operating machine ... ID / OD Grinders, Turret Lathe, Engine Lathe, Horizontal Boring Mill, Vertical Boring Mill, Radial ...

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Lathe Operator information

See Utah salary details

$12

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$26

How much do lathe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for lathe operator in Utah is $20.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $22.74 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 Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,711 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Machine Operator

Boart Longyear

West Valley City, UT • On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Boart Longyear rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 41 rated mining

Job description

Established in 1890, Boart Longyear is the world's leading provider of innovative, safe, and productivity-driven drilling equipment and tooling. With a primary focus on mining and exploration activities spanning a wide range of commodities - including copper, gold, nickel, zinc, uranium, and other metals and minerals - the Company also supports activities in the energy, oil sands exploration, and environmental sectors.
Boart Longyear's Drilling Products division delivers advanced research and development capabilities and holds hundreds of patented designs to manufacture, market, and service reliable drill rigs, innovative drill string products, rugged performance tooling, durable drilling consumables, and high-quality parts for customers worldwide. These products are engineered to meet the evolving needs of the global drilling industry, offering maximum performance, reliability, and safety in the most demanding conditions.
About the Position
We are seeking a skilled mid-level CNC Lathe Operator to join our manufacturing team at Boart Longyear. In this role, you will be responsible for operating CNC lathes to machine precision drill rods used in mineral exploration. This position offers an opportunity to work with advanced manufacturing equipment in a dynamic production environment.
Schedule
  • Monday to Friday, 2pm to 10:30pm (5-day work week)

Primary Responsibilities:
  • Operate CNC lathes to produce drill rod components according to specifications
  • Change and adjust lathe programs between different part runs
  • Monitor machining processes and make necessary adjustments to maintain quality
  • Change cutting inserts in the lathe as needed
  • Use thread gauges and other measuring instruments to verify product quality and dimensions
  • Operate forklifts to move raw materials and finished goods around the facility
  • Strap and package bundles of drill rod for shipping
  • Change robot grippers as needed when switching between different rod sizes
  • Maintain a clean and organized work area
  • Follow all safety protocols and procedures
  • Collaborate with Quality and Maintenance departments as needed

Required Qualifications:
  • 2-5 years of experience operating CNC lathes
  • Ability to read and understand blueprints
  • Ability to use precision measuring instruments including thread gauges
  • Understanding of machining processes and cutting tools
  • Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in English
  • Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs and stand for extended periods
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • Reliable attendance and ability to work assigned shifts
  • Ability to work effectively in a small team environment

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Forklift operating experience (training available for qualified candidates)
  • Prior experience in machining threads
  • Experience with robotics systems and automated manufacturing cells
  • Knowledge of G-code and basic CNC programming
  • Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
  • Experience with strapping and packaging operations would be a plus

Working Conditions:
  • Manufacturing environment with exposure to machine noise, cutting fluids, and metal shavings
  • Will require wearing personal protective equipment including safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots

Our People
At Boart Longyear, people are our most important asset. We recognize that the best ideas emerge through collaboration among individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. That is why we are committed to fostering diverse, inclusive teams and work environments free from discrimination and harassment-spaces where everyone can contribute and be heard.
Our Vision
To create products and solutions that empower the exploration and extraction of minerals to enable life and prosperity.
Our Values
Our success as a business depends on how we operate. The how is the distinctive way in which we conduct our business, guided by our values of:
  • Integrity
  • Health & Safety
  • Teamwork & Diversity
  • Customer Focus
  • Sustainability

At Boart Longyear, we innovate, we lead, and we grow together. Sound like your kind of team? Apply now.

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