Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
SOC Code: 51-4034 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | $41,787 | $52,395 | $62,982 | $73,590 |
| Greeley, CO | $60,965 | $64,355 | $67,766 | $71,157 |
| Fort Collins-Loveland, CO | $49,088 | $56,243 | $63,398 | $70,554 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $44,803 | $53,206 | $61,589 | $69,992 |
| Boulder, CO | $48,069 | $54,808 | $61,547 | $68,286 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $49,816 | $55,973 | $62,109 | $68,266 |
| Fresno, CA | $43,160 | $51,438 | $59,738 | $68,016 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $46,571 | $53,643 | $60,715 | $67,787 |
| Merced, CA | $43,056 | $51,189 | $59,342 | $67,475 |
| Salinas, CA | $42,682 | $50,856 | $59,051 | $67,226 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.5 | |
| Operation and Control | 3.4 | |
| Equipment Maintenance | 3.0 | |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.0 | |
| Active Listening | 3.0 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 | |
| Monitoring | 3.0 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 2.9 | |
| Speaking | 2.8 | |
| Time Management | 2.8 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Production and Processing | 4.0 |
| Mechanical | 3.6 |
| Engineering and Technology | 3.6 |
| Education and Training | 3.3 |
| Administration and Management | 3.3 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.3 |
| English Language | 3.2 |
| Mathematics | 3.1 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 31.6% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 28.9% |
| Less than high school | 18.2% |
| Some college | 11.6% |
| First professional degree (MD, JD) | 9.6% |
Typical Tasks
- Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
- Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
- 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.
- Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
- Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
- Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
- Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Autodesk HSMWorks Computer numerical control CNC editor software G-code Inventory tracking software M-code
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