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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.
Other titles employers use
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
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Monitoring
- Equipment Maintenance
Subjects to know
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
Useful strengths
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Oral Comprehension
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.4 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 4.1 | Standing or moving for most of it |
| Talking face to face | 3.7 | A regular part of the day |
| Working with your hands | 4.4 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 50%
- A certificate or some college 40%
- A doctorate or professional degree 10%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Industrial control software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Inventory management software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 1,900
- Job openings each year
- 240
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- −9.5%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,900 | 240 | −9.5% |
| Tennessee | 1,710 | 220 | 3.0% |
| Indiana | 1,570 | 200 | −4.8% |
| Michigan | 1,560 | 190 | −12.4% |
| Illinois | 1,360 | 170 | −6.2% |
| Ohio | 1,310 | 160 | −11.5% |
| Texas | 1,310 | 160 | −1.5% |
| Connecticut | 1,110 | 140 | −4.3% |
| Missouri | 790 | 100 | 2.6% |
| Pennsylvania | 660 | 80 | −8.3% |
| Wisconsin | 450 | 60 | −4.3% |
| Oklahoma | 380 | 50 | −9.5% |
| North Carolina | 360 | 50 | −2.7% |
| New Jersey | 350 | 40 | −2.8% |
| New York | 330 | 0 | −15.4% |
| Florida | 300 | 40 | — |
| Iowa | 280 | 40 | −6.7% |
| Minnesota | 280 | 40 | −6.7% |
| Idaho | 200 | 30 | 25.0% |
| Kentucky | 170 | 20 | −5.6% |
| Kansas | 160 | 20 | −5.9% |
| Utah | 160 | 20 | 14.3% |
| Washington | 160 | 20 | — |
| West Virginia | 150 | 20 | 7.1% |
| Alabama | 130 | 20 | — |
| Arkansas | 120 | 20 | — |
| Georgia | 120 | 20 | — |
| Nebraska | 120 | 20 | — |
| Mississippi | 110 | 20 | −8.3% |
| Virginia | 110 | 10 | — |
| Colorado | 100 | 10 | — |
| Maryland | 100 | 10 | −9.1% |
| New Hampshire | 100 | 10 | — |
| Massachusetts | 90 | 10 | −10.0% |
| Oregon | 90 | 10 | — |
| South Carolina | 90 | 10 | — |
| Arizona | 50 | 10 | — |
| Rhode Island | 50 | 10 | −16.7% |
| Louisiana | 40 | 10 | — |
Career to college
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Where to study
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