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Overview
Lathe and turning machine operator work is about setting up, programming and tending turning machines that cut metal workpieces to specified dimensions with controlled tools.
In job descriptions, look for CNC turning, blueprints, tooling instructions, CAM or CAD, controller setup, test runs, cutting depth, rotation speed, precision measurement, maintenance and production quality records.
Explore this occupation
Open in Job ExplorerWhat the work can involve
Lathe and turning machine operators work at the point where technical drawings, CNC programs, tooling and metal workpieces meet. The role includes setting controllers, running test pieces, monitoring automated cutting, measuring tolerances and removing or marking finished parts.
Skills and specializations
Useful skills include blueprint reading, CAM or CAD use, controller setup, precision measuring equipment, geometric dimensions and tolerances, machine maintenance, troubleshooting and recording quality data. Optional specialization can involve CNC lathe programming or specific metal products.
Salary context
Salary context depends on machine type, material, tolerance demands, programming responsibility, shift pattern, quality documentation, maintenance tasks and whether the operator handles setup or mainly tends a prepared machine.
Career paths
Development can move toward CNC programming, setup specialist work, quality control, production planning, maintenance, team coordination or machining of more complex components. Strong measurement habits and reliable troubleshooting support progression.
Good to know
Read adverts for the exact machines, controller systems, materials, tolerances and drawing standards. Check whether the employer expects programming, CAM work, tool selection, test runs, production records or only operation of an already prepared lathe.
Editorial note
This guide is editorial career context. It is not official labour-market statistics or role-specific salary data.
Map overview
Click the map to search for lathe and turning machine operator jobs.
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O*NET relationships
See occupations connected to this ESCO occupation in the official O*NET–ESCO mapping. The relationship type comes from the source and is not a ranking or recommendation.
O*NET relationships: 4
Machinists
51-4041.00
O*NET occupation is broader
The O*NET occupation covers a broader field of work than this ESCO occupation.
Open in O*NETComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators
51-9161.00
O*NET occupation is broader
The O*NET occupation covers a broader field of work than this ESCO occupation.
Open in O*NETComputer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers
51-9162.00
Close relationship
The occupations are closely related, but the official mapping does not treat them as exact equivalents.
Open in O*NETLathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4034.00
Exact relationship
The official mapping treats the O*NET and ESCO occupations as closely equivalent.
Open in O*NETSource and method
These relationships come from the official European Commission O*NET–ESCO crosswalk.
Relationship direction: O*NET occupation to ESCO occupation.
Several O*NET occupations can point to the same ESCO occupation, and one O*NET occupation can point to several ESCO occupations.
AltoTrail preserves the source relationship type. The order is technical and does not show which occupation is best, most relevant or recommended.
AltoTrail validates and presents the source relationships without adding ranking or recommendation semantics.
Alternative labels
CNC brake drum operator
computer numerical controlled lathe and turning machine operator
turning machine operator
automatic spinning lathe setter
computer numerical controlled lathe and turning machine setter
CNC lathe setter
CNC lathe hand
turning machine tender
cnc lathe tender
automatic spinning lathe operator
CNC turning machine tender
CNC turning machine setter
CNC lathe turner
CNC tool lathe setter
Occupation group
computer numerical control machine operator (7223.4)
Source facts
| ESCO URI | http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/63042e8f-dd59-47fe-87f3-3b2ce21f196a |
|---|---|
| ESCO code | 7223.4.4 |
| ISCO group | 7223 |
| Concept type | Occupation |