Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operators Make?
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operators earn a median annual salary of $48,620 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $36,200 at the 10th percentile to $65,450 at the 90th percentile — a range of $29,250. The highest-paying state is Maine at $62,120.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,200 |
| 25th percentile | $41,180 |
| Median (50th) | $48,620 |
| 75th percentile | $58,100 |
| 90th percentile | $65,450 |
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Mainetop | $62,120 |
| Colorado | $59,850 |
| Massachusetts | $59,430 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,910 |
| Washington | $57,840 |
| Minnesota | $57,820 |
| Nebraska | $57,640 |
| Utah | $57,500 |
| New Jersey | $55,810 |
| Maryland | $55,680 |
| Illinois | $55,620 |
| Arizona | $52,620 |
| Indiana | $52,190 |
| West Virginia | $51,980 |
| Wisconsin | $51,540 |
| Vermont | $50,840 |
| North Carolina | $50,580 |
| New Hampshire | $50,010 |
| New York | $49,650 |
| Louisiana | $48,920 |
| Iowa | $48,780 |
| Ohio | $47,890 |
| Connecticut | $47,860 |
| California | $47,660 |
| Missouri | $47,560 |
| Texas | $47,450 |
| Alabama | $47,060 |
| Florida | $46,490 |
| Michigan | $46,470 |
| Tennessee | $46,400 |
| Georgia | $45,510 |
| South Carolina | $44,980 |
| Kansas | $44,310 |
| Nevada | $43,260 |
| Kentucky | $43,090 |
| Rhode Island | $40,230 |
| Oklahoma | $39,110 |
| Arkansas | $38,160 |
| Virginia | $37,940 |
| Mississippi | $31,480 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operators
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$36,200 – $41,180 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$48,620 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$58,100 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $65,450+ |
How to Earn More as a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operators in Pittsburgh, PA earn $64,410 — $15,790 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($58,100) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operatorthis career | $48,620 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanics | $63,760 |
| Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finisher | $47,260 |
| Forging Machine Operator | $49,240 |
| Rolling Machine Operator | $48,630 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Operator requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 51-4034.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.