Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

Also called: CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator), CNC Setup Operator (Computer Numerical Control Setup Operator), Lathe Operator, Machine Operator, Numerical Control Operator (NC Operator), Screw Machine Operator, Screw Machine Tool Setter, Setup Operator, Turn Operator, Automatic Screwmaker, Automatic Spinning Lathe Operator, Automatic Spinning Lathe Setter, Axle Turner, Back Facer, Balance Recesser, Balance Wheel Facer, Bar Pointer, Bar Turner, Barrel Finisher, Barrel Turner, Bell Spinner, Bevel Mill Operator, Bevel Operator, Bolt Threader, Brake Drum Lathe Operator, Bullard Machine Operator, Bullard Operator, Chaser, Chucker, Chucker Operator, Chucking Machine Setup Operator, CNC Turning Machine Operator (Computer Numerical Control Turning Machine Operator), CNC Turning Operator (Computer Numerical Control Turning Operator), Concaver, Cup Trimming Machine Operator, Deburrer, Dial Lathe Operator, Engine Lathe Operator, Engine Lathe Setup Operator, Engine Lathe Setup Tool Operator, Facing Machine Operator, Fittings Finisher, Fountain Pen Turner, Gear Cutter, Gear Cutting Machine Operator, Gear Cutting Machine Setup Operator, Gear Generator Setup Operator, Gear Hobber, Gear Hobber Operator, Gear Hobber Setup Operator, Gear Machine Operator, Gear Setter, Gear Shaper, Gear Shaver Setup Operator, Grooving Lathe Tender, Gun Profiler, Hand Spinner, Heavy Threader, Hob Machine Operator, Hobber, Hobbing Machine Operator, Hobbing Press Operator, Hydraulic Spinner, Hydrotel Operator, Jewel Bearing Broacher, Jewel Lathe Operator, Knurling Machine Operator, Lap Cutter Truer Operator, Lathe Hand, Lathe Machine Operator, Lathe Scalper Operator, Lathe Setup Operator, Lathe Tender, Lathe Turner, Lathe Winder, Machine Deburrer, Manual Lathe Operator, Manufacturing Associate, Manufacturing Operator, Multiple Spindle Screw Machine Operator, Multiple Spindle Screw Machine Setup Operator, Nipple Machine Operator, Nipple Threader, Nut Tapper, Nut Threader, Optical Lathe Operator, Pipe Threader, Planer, Planer Hand, Planer Operator, Press Setup Person, Radial Router Operator, Rim Turning Finisher, Rim Turning Machine Operator, Ring Cutter Lathe Operator, Roll Turner, Routing Machine Operator, Rubber Turner, Screw Machine Hand, Screw Machine Setter, Screw Machine Setup Operator, Screw Machine Tender, Single Spindle Screw Machine Operator, Single Spindle Screw Machine Setup Operator, Small Lot Operator, Spar Cap Beveler, Spinner, Spinning Lathe Operator, Swiss Type Screw Machine Operator, Swiss Type Screw Machine Setup Operator, Threader, Threading Machine Operator, Threading Machine Setter, Tool Lathe Operator, Tool Setter, Tool Turret Lathe Setup Operator, Tumble Tailstock Turret Lathe Operator, Turning Machine Operator, Turret Lathe Operator, Turret Lathe Setup Operator, V-Groove Cutter, Vertical Lathe Operator, Vertical Multiple Spindle Chucking Machine Setup Operator, Winding Lathe Operator

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.

Skills, machines and equipment

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Monitoring
Equipment Maintenance
Quality Control Analysis
Judgment and Decision Making
Speaking
Time Management
Critical Thinking
Coordination

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (31.64% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

43,250–60,700 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 51-4034.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Explore setup, CNC programming, precision tooling, or process-improvement responsibilities after demonstrating safe, accurate machining.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) (31.64% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
O*NET Job Zone 2: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic