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Turret Lathe Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CNC Lathe Setup Operator

Plymouth, MI ยท On-site

$21 - $26.75/hr

... Lathe Setup Operator to set up and run CNC turning centers at our Plymouth, MI facility. This role ... Responsibilities โ€ข Set up and operate CNC lathes and turning centers, including multi-turret and ...

Set up and operate a range of lathes, including manual vertical turret lathes, manual horizontal ... Preferred, particularly with parts weighing over 1000 lbs. โ€ข Lathe Experience: Beneficial to have ...

CNC Lathe Machinist

Clearwater, FL

$20.25 - $25.75/hr

... operating, and maintaining Eurotech CNC lathes with triple turret configurations to produce high ... Previous CNC lathe machining experience (preferably Eurotech or similar multi-turret, multi-axis ...

Set up and operate a range of lathes, including manual vertical turret lathes, manual horizontal ... Preferred, particularly with parts weighing over 1000 lbs. ยท Lathe Experience: Beneficial to have ...

Machinist - HIIM

Newport News, VA ยท On-site

$19.75 - $27/hr

... mill operators for 3rd shift as well as manual engine lathe machinists familiar with cutting ... Turret Lathe, CNC lathe and TRAK Mill w/Proto trak Control and Conventional Engine lathe. * Read ...

Machinist - HIIM

Newport News, VA

$19.75 - $27/hr

... mill operators for 3rd shift as well as manual engine lathe machinists familiar with cutting ... Turret Lathe, CNC lathe and TRAK Mill w/Proto trak Control and Conventional Engine lathe. * Read ...

Manual Machinist

Salt Lake City, UT ยท 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 ...

Manual Machinist

Salt Lake City, UT ยท 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 ...

Skilled Machinist- 2nd & 3rd Shift

Lynn, MA ยท On-site

$21.25 - $29/hr

... turret lathe blanks, sawed blanks and bar stock * Set-up involve changing chuck jaws, tool holders ... CMM operating experience * Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and a teaming environment

Showing results 41-60

Turret Lathe Operator information

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$13

$22

$28

How much do turret lathe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for turret 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a turret lathe operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Turret Lathe Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, a solid understanding of machining processes, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with vocational training in machine operation. Familiarity with precision measurement tools, blueprints, and CNC or manual lathe systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work independently are important soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure efficient, safe, and precise machining of parts, which is critical for maintaining production standards and equipment longevity.

What is a turret lathe operator?

Turret Lathe Operators are skilled machinists who operate turret lathes, a type of machine tool used to produce precision metal parts. They set up, adjust, and monitor these machines to perform tasks such as turning, facing, and threading on metal workpieces. Turret lathes are equipped with a rotating turret that holds various tools, allowing for efficient and repetitive machining operations. Operators must read blueprints, select appropriate tools, and maintain the equipment to ensure quality and safety. This role is essential in manufacturing industries that require detailed and accurate metal components.

What is the difference between Turret Lathe Operator vs CNC Lathe Operator?

AspectTurret Lathe OperatorCNC Lathe Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training or certification
Work EnvironmentManual machine shop, workshopManufacturing plant, automated environment
Industry UsageMachining, metalworkingPrecision manufacturing, aerospace, automotive
Job FocusManual operation, setup, and adjustment of turret lathesProgramming, operating CNC machines, precision control

While both roles involve machining metal parts, a Turret Lathe Operator manually operates turret lathes, focusing on setup and adjustments. A CNC Lathe Operator works with computer-controlled machines, emphasizing programming and automation. The choice depends on the level of automation and technical skills required in the manufacturing process.

What are some common challenges a turret lathe operator faces on the job, and how can they be managed?

Turret Lathe Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining precision during repetitive machining tasks, managing tool wear, and ensuring machine safety. Staying attentive to detail and regularly inspecting both equipment and finished parts can help maintain quality and prevent errors. It's also important to communicate effectively with maintenance teams and supervisors to address any mechanical issues promptly. Continuous learning and adapting to new machining techniques or updated equipment can further help operators stay efficient and minimize downtime.
More about Turret Lathe Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Turret Lathe Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Turret Lathe Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Turret Lathe Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% 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.

$21 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 hours ago


Job description

Description

Global CNC Industries is hiring an experienced CNC Lathe Setup Operator to set up and run CNC turning centers at our Plymouth, MI facility. This role is ideal for a skilled machinist who takes pride in precision, efficiency, and high-quality work.

You will be responsible for full machine setups, optimizing cutting conditions, and ensuring all parts meet tight tolerances. If you have strong setup experience and can independently troubleshoot turning issues, we want to hear from you.

Responsibilities

Set up and operate CNC lathes and turning centers, including multi-turret and live tooling configurations

Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and GD&T specifications

Install tooling, set offsets, and align workpieces and bar stock

Adjust speeds, feeds, and cutting conditions for optimal performance and tool life

Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, and precision gauges

Troubleshoot and resolve machining or setup issues independently

Perform routine machine maintenance and basic upkeep

Complete setup sheets, tooling records, and production documentation

Collaborate with programmers and engineering to improve processes

Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment

Qualifications

2+ years of experience in CNC lathe or turning center setup

Hands-on experience with CNC turning, including live tooling and sub-spindle operations

Strong understanding of turning principles, insert selection, and toolholding

Ability to read blueprints and apply GD&T

Experience with precision measuring instruments (calipers, micrometers, gauges)

Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail

Ability to work independently and meet production deadlines

Good communication and teamwork skills

Preferred

Experience with multi-turret or Swiss-style turning

Familiarity with Doosan/DN Solutions, or DMG MORI turning centers

Technical training or machining certification

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive pay based on experience

Overtime opportunities

Growth into advanced machining or programming roles

Clean, modern 83,000 sq ft facility with high-end equipment

Strong team culture focused on quality and performance