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Salary

How much does a Lathe Operator make?

The average salary for a Lathe Operator is $48,573 per year in the US.

A Lathe Operator plays a key role in manufacturing and production. These skilled workers use lathe machines to shape and cut metal and other materials. With such an important job, Lathe Operators earn a good income. On average, they make about $48,573 per year. This number can change based on experience, location, and the industry.

Lathe Operators can expect to earn different amounts at different points in their careers. Those just starting might make around $33,000 per year. With a few years of experience, this amount can rise significantly. Experienced Lathe Operators can earn up to $68,000 or more annually. The salary also varies by region, with some areas offering higher wages than others. This career path provides good earning potential for those who master their craft and gain valuable skills.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Lathe Operator?

Lathe operators can find good pay in several cities. Rochester, NY, offers the highest average salary at nearly $58,000. Cities like Phoenix, AZ, and Cincinnati, OH, also provide competitive pay for skilled workers. These cities combine good salaries with a demand for skilled labor, creating excellent job opportunities. Candidates can expect salaries ranging from $45,000 to over $57,000 depending on the location. This range makes these cities attractive for those looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Lathe Operator jobs, highlighting Rochester, NY with the highest at $57,692 and Minneapolis, MN with the lowest at $44,420.
  1. Rochester, NY
    Average Salary: $57,692
    Rochester offers promising opportunities for those skilled in machining. Key companies like Bausch + Lomb and Harris Corporation seek professionals for various roles. With the right experience, a stable job and competitive salary await.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Rochester, NY


  2. Phoenix, AZ
    Average Salary: $53,949
    In Phoenix, the demand for precision machinists is strong. Companies like Raytheon Technologies and Honeywell International provide numerous positions. Job seekers can expect a dynamic work environment and good career growth.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Phoenix, AZ


  3. Cincinnati, OH
    Average Salary: $50,327
    Cincinnati's manufacturing sector thrives with many openings for machinists. Major employers such as Procter & Gamble and GE Appliances offer excellent career paths. Job seekers benefit from a blend of experience and opportunity.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Cincinnati, OH


  4. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $48,225
    Milwaukee's industrial landscape is ripe for skilled machinists. Companies like Johnson Controls and Harley-Davidson seek qualified candidates. Professionals enjoy a supportive environment and chances for advancement.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  5. Tucson, AZ
    Average Salary: $47,605
    Tucson presents a promising market for machinists. Raytheon and General Dynamics offer many openings. Job seekers will find a strong community and diverse work opportunities.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Tucson, AZ


  6. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $47,558
    Houston's booming energy sector creates many job openings for machinists. Companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron require skilled professionals. Job seekers can expect a dynamic environment with growth potential.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Houston, TX


  7. Grand Rapids, MI
    Average Salary: $45,921
    Grand Rapids offers a thriving market for machinists. Companies such as Amway and Steelcase provide many positions. Job seekers can find a mix of experience and good career prospects.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Grand Rapids, MI


  8. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $45,583
    Greensboro's manufacturing industry seeks skilled machinists. Companies like HanesBrands and Volvo offer various opportunities. Job seekers enjoy a supportive community and chances for advancement.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Greensboro, NC


  9. Cleveland, OH
    Average Salary: $45,579
    Cleveland's industrial sector provides numerous openings for machinists. Companies like Sherwin-Williams and Parker-Hannifin offer good career paths. Job seekers benefit from a robust job market and good salary potential.
    Find Lathe Operator jobs in Cleveland, OH


  10. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $44,420
    Minneapolis offers a strong demand for machinists. Companies like 3M and Medtronic seek skilled professionals. Job seekers will find a supportive environment and many opportunities for growth.
    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 salaries for Lathe Operator positions. On average, both companies pay around $60,000 per year. These companies provide competitive pay, making them attractive options for professionals in this field. Other companies, like Paramount Placement and Aerotek, also offer good salaries for Lathe Operators. Paramount Placement pays an average of $57,891 per year, while Aerotek offers around $51,727. These rates are higher than the industry average, offering solid compensation packages.
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 $42,579.
  1. Advantech Industries, Inc.
    Average Salary: $60,000
    Advantech Industries, Inc. offers Lathe Operator jobs with competitive salaries. The company has locations across the U.S. and provides a supportive work environment. They focus on manufacturing precision components for various industries.


  2. Hall Industries, Inc.
    Average Salary: $60,000
    Hall Industries, Inc. pays Lathe Operators well. They operate in multiple states with a focus on heavy machinery and precision engineering. The company values skilled workers and offers growth opportunities.


  3. Paramount Placement
    Average Salary: $57,891
    Paramount Placement provides Lathe Operator positions with an average salary of $57,891. They have offices nationwide and emphasize teamwork and job satisfaction. Paramount Placement supports continuous learning for its employees.


  4. Aerotek
    Average Salary: $51,727
    Aerotek offers Lathe Operator jobs with an average salary of $51,727. They have many locations and offer both temporary and permanent positions. Aerotek focuses on providing career advancement opportunities.


  5. Element Materials Technology
    Average Salary: $47,769
    Element Materials Technology pays Lathe Operators an average of $47,769. The company operates in various cities and is known for its comprehensive training programs. They focus on quality and innovation in their work.


  6. Randstad
    Average Salary: $46,847
    Randstad offers Lathe Operator positions with an average salary of $46,847. They have multiple locations and provide support in finding the right job fit. Randstad is committed to employee development and career growth.


  7. AWG, Inc.
    Average Salary: $46,636
    AWG, Inc. pays Lathe Operators an average salary of $46,636. They are located in key areas and focus on manufacturing precision components. The company offers a positive work culture and encourages skill development.


  8. ARCH Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $45,000
    ARCH Medical Solutions provides Lathe Operator jobs with an average salary of $45,000. The company operates in several locations and values teamwork and quality. They focus on medical manufacturing and innovation.


  9. Express Employment Professionals
    Average Salary: $43,414
    Express Employment Professionals offers Lathe Operator positions with an average salary of $43,414. They have offices in many cities and focus on matching skilled workers with suitable roles. The company supports career growth and job satisfaction.


  10. ResourceMFG
    Average Salary: $42,579
    ResourceMFG pays Lathe Operators an average salary of $42,579. They have locations across the U.S. and focus on providing precision manufacturing solutions. The company offers a supportive work environment and career advancement opportunities.

How to earn more as a Lathe Operator?

A Lathe Operator can increase their earnings by focusing on several key factors. First, gaining experience helps improve skills and efficiency. As a Lathe Operator becomes more skilled, they can work faster and produce higher quality parts. This often leads to higher pay or more opportunities for overtime.

Second, obtaining additional certifications can open up more job opportunities. Certifications in areas such as CNC machining or precision grinding can make a Lathe Operator more valuable to employers. Third, learning new skills such as programming or computer-aided design (CAD) can also lead to higher-paying positions. Employers often seek operators who can handle multiple tasks, so adding these skills can make someone stand out.

Another important factor is networking. Building connections within the industry can lead to job opportunities that pay more. Attending trade shows, joining professional organizations, and participating in online forums can help. Finally, seeking out positions in industries that pay more, such as aerospace or medical device manufacturing, can also lead to higher earnings. Staying informed about industry trends and salary benchmarks can help identify the best opportunities.

In summary, earning more as a Lathe Operator involves:

  1. Gaining experience
  2. Obtaining certifications
  3. Learning new skills
  4. Networking
  5. Seeking higher-paying positions

Currently 164 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
164 Job Openings