How to hire a lathe machine operator

How to hire a lathe machine operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step lathe machine operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a lathe machine operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new lathe machine operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a lathe machine operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a lathe machine operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a lathe machine operator that fits the bill.

   This list shows salaries for various types of lathe machine operators.

   Type of Lathe Machine Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Lathe Machine Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$13-23
   Numerical Control Operator	A numerical control operator is responsible for monitoring machinery and managing computer-generated equipment to produce tools and components from various mechanical resources. Numerical control operators must have extensive knowledge with the technology and mechanical industry to perform basic troubleshooting and detect malfunctions during operations... Show more	$13-24
   Control Operator	The duties of a control operator depend on their line of work or industry of employment. Typically, it includes adhering to a set of protocols, controlling machines and equipment, identifying the needs of daily operations, and performing regular maintenance checks, conducting repairs when necessary... Show more	$15-26

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Calipers
   • Hand Tools
   • Lathe Machines
   • Spindles
   • Okuma
   • FANUC
   • Basic Math
   • Manual Lathes
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Stainless Steel
   • Perform Routine Maintenance
   • Machine Operation
   • Dial Indicators
   • Depth Micrometers

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Perform trial runs on new CNC programs, working with programming and tooling to achieve satisfactory parts.
   • Operate machines including lathes, cutters, shears, borers, millers, grinders, drills, jigs, heating machines.
   • Utilize micrometers and calipers to meet all specify tolerances.
   • Perform quality control inspection using calipers/gauges/micrometers and digital comparators.
   • Solder carbide tips to see blades.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your lathe machine operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A lathe machine operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, lathe machine operators' average salary in kentucky is 34% less than in massachusetts.
   • Seniority. Entry-level lathe machine operators 42% less than senior-level lathe machine operators.
   • Certifications. A lathe machine operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a lathe machine operator's salary.

   Average lathe machine operator salary

   $37,328yearly

   $17.95 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level lathe machine operator salary

   $28,000 yearly salary

   Updated February 1, 2026

4. Writing a lathe machine operator job description

   A good lathe machine operator job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a lathe machine operator job description:

   Lathe machine operator job description example

   Job DescriptionAcara Solutions is seeking a Lathe Machine Operator to work with a manufacturing company located in Liberty Lake, WA . This is a direct hire position.
   JOB DESCRIPTION:

   • Follow the procedures set forth in the work instructions or by the Supervisor and/or Lead(s).
   • Follow prescribed standards of CNC operations, beginner set-ups of established processes and meeting cycle times of those processes in the machine shop.
   • Meets standards set forth in our AS9102/ISO metrics plan concerning quality, cost and delivery.
   • Be proactive in maintaining established company policies and manufacturing strategies.
   • Take an active role in organizing and improving current processes when necessary.
     

   
   
   REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

   • High School Diploma or GED
   • Minimum of 2 years of experience as a machine shop operator
     • Must have knowledge and skills from pre-stage raw material, conduct tool changes, run product, make tool off-sets for proven processes in CNC Lathes
     • Must have experience with blueprint reading and a working knowledge of Geometric tolerancing and calculating.
     • Working knowledge of Lean thinking principles.
       

   
   Aleron companies (Acara Solutions, Aleron Shared Resources, Broadleaf Results, Lume Strategies, TalentRise, Viaduct, and Aleron's strategic partner, SDI) are Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. The Aleron companies welcome and encourage applications from diverse candidates, including people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for applicants taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
   Applicants for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position does not meet the employment requirements for individuals with F-1 OPT STEM work authorization status.

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5. Post your job

   To find the right lathe machine operator for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with lathe machine operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit lathe machine operators who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your lathe machine operator job on Zippia to find and recruit lathe machine operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit lathe machine operators, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new lathe machine operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the lathe machine operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new lathe machine operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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