Shigoto Zukan
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How to become Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plasticeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$50,620
25th–75th pct. $43,250–$60,700
Top pay (est.)
$90,600
Top 10% $69,700
Pay in 5 years
$56,600est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$63,200est.
$54,300–$73,400
Outlook score
34/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
49%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−11.3%
1,400 openings / yr

How to become Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Quality Control Analysis
3.2
Operation and Control
3.0
Operations Monitoring
3.0
Monitoring
3.0
Reading Comprehension
2.9
Active Listening
2.9
Complex Problem Solving
2.8
Equipment Maintenance
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.3
Production and Processing
4.3
Administration and Management
3.9
Mathematics
3.8
Administrative
3.8
Engineering and Technology
3.8
Computers and Electronics
3.4
Education and Training
3.3

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsGetting InformationRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleHandling and Moving Objects

Important abilities

Near VisionReaction TimeManual DexterityControl PrecisionArm-Hand SteadinessMultilimb Coordination

Education of workers

High school diploma
32%
Some college
29%
Less than high school
18%
Post-secondary certificate
12%
Professional degree
10%

Training before entry

6–12 months
22%
3–6 months
19%
1–3 months
18%
Up to 1 month
11%
Over 10 years
10%
1–2 years
10%
2–4 years
10%
None / short demo
1%

Related work experience

1–2 years
19%
3–6 months
18%
None
13%
6–12 months
10%
2–4 years
10%
Over 10 years
10%
6–8 years
10%
1–3 months
10%
4–6 years
1%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.