Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
O*NET 51-4034.00 · SOC 51-4034
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter is a risky career choice. Median pay is $51k a year with -11.3% projected growth through 2035 (declining) and about 1,400 openings a year. AI exposure: High.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Mount metal stock in lathe chucks and secure workpieces firmly
- →Set lathe cutting tool speed and feed rates for materials
- →Turn metal parts on lathes to achieve specified diameters
- →Cut threads on metal shafts using lathe threading attachments
- →Measure turned parts with micrometers to check dimensional accuracy
Education & How to Get In
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths — you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Hands-on — labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed — alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering — personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
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Job Outlook
Employment of Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to decline 11.3% from 2025 to 2035, declining for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·42% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target
- ·46% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress
- ·Declining employment suggests structural disruption
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter make?
The median Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter earns $51k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter jobs?
Our model puts Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter at 66 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is high disruption risk. The main drivers: 42% routine cognitive tasks — high automation target; 46% physical tasks — limited by robotics progress.
Is Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter a growing field?
Employment is projected to shrink 11.3% between 2025 and 2035, which is declining. That works out to roughly 1,400 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter?
Most Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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