All About Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders
Occupation Description 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.
What Do Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders Do On a Daily Basis?
- Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
- Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
- Turn valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas or to coat disks with spinning compounds.
- Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
- Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
- Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
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Lathe & Turning Machine Tool Operator Required Skills
Below is a list of the skills most Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders say are important on the job.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Computer Numerical Control Operator (CNC Operator)
- Nipple Machine Operator
- Single Spindle Screw Machine Set-Up Operator
- Balance Recesser
- Bullard Machine Operator
What Kind of Lathe & Turning Machine Tool Operator Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 33,700 jobs for Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender in 2016. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender. The BLS estimates 2,900 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Lathe & Turning Machine Tool Operator are Alabama, Utah, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Delaware, West Virginia, or Maine. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Lathe & Turning Machine Tool Operator
Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders make between $26,000 and $59,960 a year.
Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders who work in Massachusetts, Oregon, or Arizona, make the highest salaries.
How much do Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $35,440 |
| Arizona | $47,100 |
| Arkansas | $36,310 |
| California | $40,280 |
| Colorado | $34,110 |
| Connecticut | $46,110 |
| Florida | $37,560 |
| Georgia | $36,310 |
| Illinois | $42,540 |
| Indiana | $41,180 |
| Iowa | $41,340 |
| Kansas | $39,560 |
| Kentucky | $43,950 |
| Louisiana | $43,650 |
| Maine | $33,760 |
| Maryland | $36,060 |
| Massachusetts | $50,760 |
| Michigan | $38,830 |
| Minnesota | $41,440 |
| Mississippi | $34,760 |
| Missouri | $42,720 |
| Montana | $31,790 |
| Nebraska | $39,500 |
| Nevada | $41,430 |
| New Hampshire | $38,980 |
| New Jersey | $44,030 |
| New York | $40,720 |
| North Carolina | $47,200 |
| Ohio | $40,190 |
| Oklahoma | $41,100 |
| Oregon | $54,150 |
| Pennsylvania | $41,390 |
| Rhode Island | $44,830 |
| South Carolina | $45,310 |
| South Dakota | $37,310 |
| Tennessee | $36,040 |
| Texas | $40,200 |
| Utah | $47,130 |
| Vermont | $38,570 |
| Virginia | $38,470 |
| Washington | $45,070 |
| West Virginia | $42,270 |
| Wisconsin | $41,710 |
What Tools do Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders may use on a daily basis:
- Inventory tracking software
- G-code
- M-code
- Autodesk HSMWorks
Becoming a Lathe & Turning Machine Tool Operator
What kind of Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Lathe & Turning Machine Tool Operator?
Where Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders Work
Below are examples of industries where Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders work:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender might also be interested in the following careers:
Career changers with experience as a Metal and Plastic Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, or Tender sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
References:
Image Credit: US Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier via Public domain
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