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Overview
Metalworking lathe operator work is about setting up and tending manual lathes so metal workpieces are turned, cut and checked against the required size and shape.
In job descriptions, look for lathe setup, cutting tools, cross slide positioning, gauges, precision measurement, test runs, worn equipment checks, waste removal and production records.
Explore this occupation
Search jobsWhat the work can involve
Metalworking lathe operators work close to manual turning machines, metal bars or castings, cutting tools and measuring equipment. The job centers on setting the lathe, watching the rotating workpiece, removing finished parts and spotting wear before it affects the cut.
Skills and specializations
Useful strengths include lathe machine parts, types of lathe tools, metal types, cross slide positioning, test runs, precision measuring equipment, gauge monitoring and marking processed workpieces.
Salary context
Salary context is shaped by material difficulty, tolerance demands, independent setup work, production pace, maintenance duties, lifting equipment use and whether the role includes quality-control records.
Career paths
Paths can move from routine turning into precision metalworking, machine maintenance, CNC-related setup, quality inspection, production coordination or advising colleagues on machine faults.
Good to know
Check adverts for manual or automated lathe work, metals handled, drawing-reading expectations, measuring tools, test-run duties, waste handling, shift patterns and how rejected workpieces are managed.
Editorial note
This guide gives editorial career context for metalworking lathe operator work. It is not official labour-market statistics or salary data.
Where might this occupation occur?
This occupation may occur in several kinds of economic activity. Here are some examples and other occupations that may be found in the same areas.
Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c.
This is one example. Other occupations in this activity include metal sawing machine operator, precision mechanic and tool grinder.
Explore this activityThese examples offer an overview but do not show every economic activity where the occupation may occur.
About this information
The selection is based on how occupations are connected to economic activities in ESCO and NACE. Only a few examples are shown to make the information easier to use. The occupations were selected because they are close in occupation area and important skills. The examples are not a ranking. They do not show where most people work, where demand is highest, or which occupation is best suited to a particular person.
Map overview
Click the map to search for metalworking lathe 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: 1
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
51-4034.00
O*NET occupation is broader
The O*NET occupation covers a broader field of work than this ESCO occupation.
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.
NACE Rev. 2.1
Economic activities linked to this occupation.
28Manufacture of machinery and equipment n.e.c.
Alternative labels
Occupation group
lathe and turning machine operator (7223.4.4)
Source facts
| ESCO URI | http://data.europa.eu/esco/occupation/7d9242d3-2a55-45e3-9d67-be76f879de0b |
|---|---|
| ESCO code | 7223.4.4.1 |
| ISCO group | 7223 |
| Concept type | Occupation |