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Lathe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Neptune Machine Inc

Lathe Operator

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$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 ...

DMK Industries

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Manual Lathe Operator

Middletown, OH · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour Experienced and reliable manual lathe operator to turn steel mill rolls. Should have at least 3 years of lathe experience. Wages based on experience and abilities. Paid ...

SMS group Inc

Lathe Operator

Taylor, MI · On-site

$23.27 - $30.43/hr

Summary A Lathe Operator will be required to set up and operate engine lathe and accessories to perform a variety of operations on rolls and other parts to meet quality assurance requirements. They ...

DMK Industries

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Manual Lathe Operator

Middletown, OH · On-site

$20 - $26/hr

Pay: $20.00 - $26.00 per hour Experienced and reliable manual lathe operator to turn steel mill rolls. Should have at least 3 years of lathe experience. Wages based on experience and abilities. Paid ...

Hoosier, Inc.

CNC Lathe Operator

Corona, CA · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

CNC Lathe Operator (Entry Level to Experienced) - 2nd Shift Hoosier, Inc. | Full-Time Pay: $18 - $25/hour (based on experience) We're a fast-growing precision CNC machine shop hiring for a 2nd Shift ...

swipejobs LLC

Manual Lathe Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

$25/hr

Manual Lathe Operator REPORTS TO: Shop Foreman/Leadman LOCATION: Houston, TX OVERVIEW: Help drive Shop productivity and profitability by working closely with shop team, leadman, and shop foreman to ...

Milacron

CNC Lathe Operator

Mount Orab, OH · On-site

$19.50 - $25/hr

The CNC Lathe operator will work as part of the direct manufacturing shop floor team. In this position, the CNC Lathe operator will use computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinery safely and ...

Oberg Industries

Swiss Lathe Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

Swiss Lathe Operator - Chicago, IL Location: Chicago, IL | Full-Time | On-Site Join a team where your skills directly impact the production of high-precision components used in critical industries ...

Surge Staffing

Lathe Operator

Sunbury, OH · On-site

$18/hr

We are currently seeking a Tube Lathe Operator for a manufacturing facility in Sunbury, OH. This position is responsible for loading metal tubes into machinery, performing measurements using ...

United Rolls Inc

Lathe Operator

Canton, OH · On-site

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Summary Responsible for running lathe machines. This involves tasks related to set-up, machine operation, and disposing of chips as required. Tools and Equipment: lathes, variety of cutters and hand ...

TALENIQUE INC

CNC Lathe Operator

Amherst, NH · On-site

CNC Lathe Operator Pay Rate: Up to $25/hour (based on experience) Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM About the Company This company specializes in manufacturing custom thermoset resin ...

United Rolls Inc

Lathe Operator

Canton, OH

$18.50 - $24.25/hr

Description Summary Responsible for running lathe machines. This involves tasks related to set-up, machine operation, and disposing of chips as required. Tools and Equipment: lathes, variety of ...

Simos

Lathe Operator

Geneva, IL · On-site

$21.97/hr

Description We're seeking a skilled Lathe Operator to produce high-quality parts using precision machinery. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical aptitude, excellent attention to detail, and the ...

Professional Search Group - Orange County

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CNC Lathe Operator

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

As a CNC Lathe Operator, you will be responsible for precisely setting up and operating CNC lathe machines to manufacture metal components. The role requires collaboration across departments to ...

Global Dental Science LLC

Lathe Operator

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$20 - $26.25/hr

Set up lathe and operate per specifications * Maintain all logs Responsibilities : * Maintain a clean and safe work environment * Alert Manager of any repair needs of other areas of concern with ...

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Lathe Operator information

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$13

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$28

How much do lathe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 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 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

Lathe Operator

Neptune Machine Inc

Brooklyn, NY • On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Free uniforms
  • Health insurance

We are a 70 year old Company located in a great and safe neighborhood in Brooklyn, servicing the NYC HI-rise building industries mechanical equipment.
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 contributed medical
  • Pension, Life Insurance, Employee Parking, Uniforms, Etc.
  • Paid holiday and vacations
Applicant must have minimum five years machining experience and must be willing to work overtime
Salary negotiable based on experience