Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4034Also known as:
Automatic Screwmaker, Automatic Spinning Lathe Operator, Automatic Spinning Lathe Setter, Axle Turner, Back Facer
Median Annual Salary
$48,620
-13.6% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
19K
Current Jobs
What Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Do
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.
💰 Salary
$48,620
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-13.6%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
18,900
Projected Employment (2034)
16,400
Related Careers
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,310 •
-14.4% growth
Multiple machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$46,060 •
-0.5% growth
Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners
$48,970 •
-7.8% growth
Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
$40,440 •
-1.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic:
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
3,539 degrees awarded •
248 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $48,620.
What education do lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic need?
Most lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Tool Technology/Machinist.
Is becoming a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to see -13.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 1,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Top colleges for aspiring lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include
State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Williamson College of the Trades, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic may also be known as: 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.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.