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.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
Work Values
- Support
- Achievement
- Independence
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Initiative
- Cooperation
- Achievement/Effort
Tasks
- 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.
Work Activities
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Detailed Work Activities
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Technology Skills
- Object or component oriented development software
- Industrial control software
- Inventory management software
Abilities
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Finger Dexterity
- Manual Dexterity
Skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Active Listening
- Equipment Maintenance
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Production and Processing
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Education and Training
- Administration and Management
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Machining Level I - Turning I (Chucking Skills)Certifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Core
Certificate name
Machining Level I - CNC Lathe Programming Setup & OperationsCertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Core
Certificate name
Machining Level I - CNC Turning: OperationsCertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Core
Certificate name
Machining Level I - Job Planning, Benchwork, and LayoutCertifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Core
Certificate name
Turning II (Chucking)Certifying Organization
National Institute for Metalworking Skills
Type
Advanced
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $44,244 |
| Median (50%) | $49,634 |
| High (90%) | $64,635 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $48,945 |
| Mid Level | $58,901 |
| Senior Level | N/A |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 19,700 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 17,500 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -11%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of -11%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
Career Resources
Search All Careers
Compare Careers
Income Outlook
Career Pathways
Career Clusters
Job Suite Home
CV Templates
Resume Templates
Cover Letter Templates
All Templates
Job Resources
Blog Articles
Podcast