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Salary

How much does a Lathe Operator make?

The average salary for a Lathe Operator is $48,917 per year in the US.

Lathe operators play a vital role in manufacturing by running and maintaining lathe machines. These professionals ensure products meet quality standards and specifications. The job pays well, offering a stable career for those interested in precision and machinery.

According to recent data, the salary for lathe operators varies. The lowest earners make about $33,353 a year. Meanwhile, the highest earners can make up to $68,140 annually. On average, a lathe operator earns around $48,917 per year. These figures reflect the range of salaries available based on experience and location.

Here are the salary ranges for different experience levels:

  • 10th percentile: $33,353
  • 25th percentile: $36,515
  • 50th percentile (median): $42,840
  • 75th percentile: $52,328
  • 90th percentile: $61,815

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What are the highest paying cities for a Lathe Operator?

Lathe operators can find some of the highest salaries in Rochester, NY, where the average pay is over $57,000. Other top cities include Phoenix, AZ, and Cincinnati, OH, both offering salaries around $55,000 and $50,000, respectively. These cities provide good opportunities for those in this skilled trade.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Lathe Operator jobs, highlighting Rochester, NY with the highest at $57,208 and Minneapolis, MN with the lowest at $45,309.
  1. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $57,208
    In Rochester, one can find a thriving manufacturing sector that offers opportunities for skilled machinists. Companies like Bausch + Lomb and Eastman Kodak provide a variety of roles for those with the right expertise. The city's strong industrial roots mean job security and growth potential for dedicated operators.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Rochester, NY


  2. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $54,657
    Phoenix boasts a dynamic job market for machinists, with prominent employers like Honeywell and Raytheon seeking skilled professionals. The city’s warm climate and low cost of living make it an attractive place to work, providing a good balance of professional opportunities and lifestyle.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  3. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $50,327
    Cincinnati is a hub for manufacturing and offers many opportunities for those in the machining field. Companies such as GE Appliances and Boeing provide solid career paths and benefits for experienced machinists. The city’s commitment to industry keeps the demand high for skilled workers.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  4. Grand Rapids, MI
    Average Salary: $48,227
    Grand Rapids is known for its rich manufacturing tradition, with companies like Amway and SpartanNash offering various roles for machinists. The city’s dedication to industrial excellence makes it a promising place for career growth and stability in the machining sector.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Grand Rapids, MI


  5. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $48,225
    Milwaukee has a robust manufacturing industry, providing plenty of job opportunities for machinists. Companies like MillerCoors and Johnson Controls employ skilled machinists. The city’s strong industrial presence ensures a steady demand for qualified professionals.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  6. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $47,910
    Houston’s booming energy sector creates many opportunities for machinists. Companies such as ExxonMobil and Schlumberger hire skilled operators. The city’s diverse job market offers various roles and good compensation for experienced machinists.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Houston, TX


  7. Tulsa, OK
    Average Salary: $46,186
    Tulsa offers a mix of manufacturing and oil industry jobs for machinists. Companies like ConocoPhillips and ONEOK provide many opportunities. The city’s economic diversity ensures a stable demand for qualified machinists.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Tulsa, OK


  8. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $45,583
    Greensboro’s manufacturing scene is vibrant, with companies like Volvo and Hanesbrands looking for skilled machinists. The city offers a supportive environment for career growth and a good quality of life for professionals in this field.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Greensboro, NC


  9. Cleveland, OH
    Average Salary: $45,394
    Cleveland’s industrial landscape provides numerous roles for machinists. Companies such as Parker Hannifin and Sherwin-Williams offer good opportunities. The city’s strong industrial base ensures a steady demand for skilled machinists.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Cleveland, OH


  10. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $45,309
    Minneapolis is a center for manufacturing, with firms like 3M and Cargill offering various roles for machinists. The city’s supportive work environment and high standard of living make it an appealing place for professionals in this field.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Minneapolis, MN

What are the best companies a Lathe Operator can work for?

Advantech Industries, Inc. and Hall Industries, Inc. offer some of the best pay for Lathe Operator jobs. Both companies provide an average salary of $60,000. These top-paying companies value skilled workers and offer competitive wages. ResourceMFG, Paramount Placement, and Element Materials Technology also provide good salaries for Lathe Operators, with averages above $42,000. These companies recognize the importance of skilled workers and offer fair compensation. Job seekers should explore these options for good pay and benefits.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Lathe Operator jobs, highlighting Advantech Industries, Inc. with the highest at $60,000 and ResourceMFG with the lowest at $42,094.
  1. Advantech Industries, Inc.
    Average Salary: $60,000
    Advantech Industries, Inc. offers Lathe Operator roles with a competitive salary of $60,000. This company operates in various locations nationwide, providing opportunities for Lathe Operators to work in modern facilities.


  2. Hall Industries, Inc.
    Average Salary: $60,000
    Hall Industries, Inc. also provides a salary of $60,000 for Lathe Operators. They have multiple locations across the country. Their facilities emphasize safety and advanced manufacturing technology.


  3. Paramount Placement
    Average Salary: $57,903
    Paramount Placement offers a salary of $57,903 for Lathe Operators. The company has several locations, ensuring a variety of opportunities. They focus on career growth and support for their employees.


  4. Element Materials Technology
    Average Salary: $47,769
    Element Materials Technology provides an average salary of $47,769 for Lathe Operators. With offices in multiple states, this company offers diverse locations for potential Lathe Operator positions.


  5. Randstad
    Average Salary: $46,581
    Randstad offers a salary of $46,581 for Lathe Operators. They have offices throughout the country, providing numerous job openings. Randstad focuses on employee development and career advancement.


  6. ARCH Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $46,082
    ARCH Medical Solutions offers a salary of $46,082 for Lathe Operators. Their facilities are spread across different locations, offering various opportunities for growth in the field.


  7. Express Employment Professionals
    Average Salary: $43,984
    Express Employment Professionals provides a salary of $43,984 for Lathe Operators. With many locations, they offer diverse job opportunities. The company values employee satisfaction and career progression.


  8. ResourceMFG
    Average Salary: $42,094
    ResourceMFG offers a salary of $42,094 for Lathe Operators. They have several locations that provide various job opportunities. This company is committed to employee training and development.

How to earn more as a Lathe Operator?

Lathe operators play a crucial role in manufacturing. They use machines to make metal or wood parts. To earn more as a lathe operator, focus on the following key areas. Improving skills leads to better opportunities and higher pay.

Gaining more experience can lead to higher pay. Start with entry-level positions and learn from skilled colleagues. Over time, this experience can open doors to higher-paying jobs. Experience also makes it easier to handle complex tasks and troubleshoot problems quickly.

  1. Certification: Earn certifications to boost pay. These show employers that a lathe operator has the skills they need.
  2. Advanced Skills: Learn to use different types of lathes. This can make a lathe operator more valuable.
  3. Night and Weekend Shifts: Working these times can lead to higher pay. Many companies offer shift differentials for these hours.
  4. Specialized Industries: Work in high-demand areas like aerospace or medical devices. These industries often pay more.
  5. Continued Education: Take courses to stay current with new technologies. This can lead to higher positions and better pay.

Currently 168 Lathe Operator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Lathe Operator in the US?

Learn what a Lathe Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Lathe Operator today.
Position
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Lathe Operator
168 Job Openings