Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $50,620 per year ($24.34/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 11.3% through 2035, with about 1,400 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-4034
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic in four numbers
- Median pay
- $50,620a year, or $24.34/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $37KTop 10% $70K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -11.3%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−11.3%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −11.3% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 1,40016,700 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202516.7K
- Projected 203514.8K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 16.7K Projected 2035 14.8K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- Less than high school18.2%
- High school31.6%
- Certificate11.6%
- Some college28.9%
- Professional degree9.6%
- Post-doctoral training0.1%
Highest education held by lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Segment Value Less than high school 18.2% High school 31.6% Certificate 11.6% Some college 28.9% Professional degree 9.6% Post-doctoral training 0.1%
Also advertised as: CNC Lathe Operator (Computer Numerical Control Lathe Operator), CNC Setup Operator (Computer Numerical Control Setup Operator), Lathe Operator, Machine Operator, Numerical Control Operator (NC Operator), Screw Machine Operator.
Pay
How much do Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make?
Every lathe and turning machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$50,620
Middle half earn $43,250 to $60,700
- 10th
- $36,670
- 25th
- $43,250
- 75th
- $60,700
- 90th
- $69,700
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $36,670 |
| 25th | $43,250 |
| Median | $50,620 |
| 75th | $60,700 |
| 90th | $69,700 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $50,620
- Median hourly wage
- $24.34/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $52,490
- People employed
- 16,710
Versus all US occupations
At $50,620, the median for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic sits in line with the $50,980 median across all US occupations.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 5% above the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $69,700 or more while the bottom 10% earn $36,670, a gap of 1.9×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 23% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Colorado pays the most at $71,670, and still leads at $69,547 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Colorado | $71,670 | $69,547 | 150 |
| 2Maine | $64,800 | $66,770 | 80 |
| 3Minnesota | $61,000 | $61,853 | 150 |
| 4Massachusetts | $60,870 | $57,556 | 690 |
| 5California | $60,180 | $54,353 | 2,600 |
| 6Alabama | $58,490 | $65,850 | 100 |
| 7Nevada | $58,240 | $58,252 | 60 |
| 8Pennsylvania | $57,020 | $58,439 | 580 |
| 9Arizona | $55,840 | $55,465 | 110 |
| 10Illinois | $54,930 | $54,953 | 1,260 |
Job outlook
Is Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -11.3% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | −11.3% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic to change -11.3% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 1,900 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 1,400 openings are projected each year, 8.4% of the 16,700 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of metal and plastic machine workers varies by occupation (see table).
One of the most important factors influencing employment of these workers is the use of laborsaving machinery. Many firms are continuing to expand the use of technologies, such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools and robots, to improve quality and lower production costs. The use of CNC equipment requires CNC tool programmers instead of machine setters, operators, and tenders. Therefore, demand for most manual tool operators and tenders is likely to be reduced, while demand for CNC tool programmers is expected to be strong.
Getting in
How to become a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary education.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)31.6%
- Some College Courses28.9%
- Less than a High School Diploma18.2%
- Post-Secondary Certificate11.6%
- First Professional Degree9.6%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 31.6% |
| Some College Courses | 28.9% |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 18.2% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 11.6% |
| First Professional Degree | 9.6% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, 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.
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
Day-to-day tasks
- Clean work area.
- Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
- Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
- Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
- Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
- Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- Program computer numerical control machines.
- Install holding fixtures, cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movement, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Because many manufacturers run their machinery for extended periods, evening and weekend work is also common.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayConflict situations are rare.
Cost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Active Listening3.0
- Monitoring3.0
- Speaking2.8
- Critical Thinking2.6
- Writing2.3
- Mathematics2.1
- Active Learning2.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 |
| Active Listening | 3.0 |
| Monitoring | 3.0 |
| Speaking | 2.8 |
| Critical Thinking | 2.6 |
| Writing | 2.3 |
| Mathematics | 2.1 |
| Active Learning | 2.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.5
- Operation and Control3.4
- Equipment Maintenance3.0
- Quality Control Analysis3.0
- Judgment and Decision Making2.9
- Time Management2.8
- Coordination2.6
- Complex Problem Solving2.6
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.5 |
| Operation and Control | 3.4 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.0 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.0 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 |
| Time Management | 2.8 |
| Coordination | 2.6 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.6 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Industrial control software
- Inventory management software
- Object or component oriented development software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic7.0
- Conventional4.3
- Investigative2.1
- Artistic1.0
- Social1.0
- Enterprising1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
O*NET related occupations
- Production
Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$52,800median a year
Most earn $38K to $81K
−13.2%High school - Production
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$46,550median a year
Most earn $36K to $63K
−10.8%High school - Production
Multiple Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$47,180median a year
Most earn $36K to $74K
+0.6%High school - Production
Woodworking Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Except Sawing
$43,380median a year
Most earn $32K to $57K
−2.5%High school - Production
- Production
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$46,330median a year
Most earn $36K to $66K
−10.5%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic$50,620
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic | $50,620 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic appears on
Questions
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic: frequently asked questions
How much do Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make?
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $50,620 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), close to the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $24.34/hr. The middle half earn between $43,250 and $60,700. The top 10% earn $69,700 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 31.6% hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged).
Is Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 11.3% over 2025–2035, a loss of 1,900 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 1,400 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic do?
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces. A core O*NET task: clean work area.
Which states pay Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic the most?
The highest state medians for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are Colorado ($71,670), Maine ($64,800), Minnesota ($61,000) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic?
O*NET scores Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.