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What is a barrel lathe operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a barrel lathe operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $20.82 an hour? That's $43,315 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 3% and produce 8,200 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreBarrel Lathe OperatorUS Average
Salary
3.4

Avg. Salary $43,315

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.9

Growth rate 3%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
8.7
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%

Asian 2.49%

Black or African American 8.30%

Hispanic or Latino 17.43%

Unknown 5.39%

White 65.98%

Gender

female 20.00%

male 80.00%

Age - 40
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40
Stress level
5.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.1

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
6.4

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a barrel lathe operator

  1. Explore barrel lathe operator education requirements

    Most common barrel lathe operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    44.4 %

    Bachelor's

    22.2 %

    Diploma

    22.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific barrel lathe operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Barrel100.00%
  3. Complete relevant barrel lathe operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New barrel lathe operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a barrel lathe operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real barrel lathe operator resumes.
  4. Research barrel lathe operator duties and responsibilities

    • Operate machines including lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, drills, jigs, heating machines.
    • Operate heavy duty lathes, boring machines and mills, planers, shapers and grinders.
  5. Apply for barrel lathe operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a barrel lathe operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first barrel lathe operator job

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Average barrel lathe operator salary

The average barrel lathe operator salary in the United States is $43,315 per year or $21 per hour. Barrel lathe operator salaries range between $33,000 and $55,000 per year.

Average barrel lathe operator salary
$43,315 Yearly
$20.82 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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