Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
Also called: Lathe and Turning Machine Operators
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: Automatic Screwmaker, Automatic Spinning Lathe Operator, Automatic Spinning Lathe Setter, Axle Turner, Back Facer, Balance Recesser
Median pay
$50,620
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$36,670 – $69,700
People employed
16,710
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 3.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 5.Are you OK being on your feet and moving most of the day?
- 6.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
The hard parts
- Long hours on your feet
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (36 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic do
- 01Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
- 02Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
- 03Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
- 04Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
- 05Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
- 06Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders89% · −8%
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing85% · −14%
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators84% · 0%
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers83% · −8%
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers79% · +6%
Change into lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators90% · $50,690
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing87% · $43,380
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders86% · $46,570
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers86% · $46,350
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders84% · $38,760
Majors that lead here
- Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.