How to hire a lathe set up operator

How to hire a lathe set up operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step lathe set up 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 set up operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new lathe set up operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you start hiring a lathe set up 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

   A lathe set up operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, lathe set up operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list shows salaries for various types of lathe set up operators.

   Type of Lathe Set Up Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Lathe Set Up Operator	Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate machines that cut, shape, and form metal and plastic materials or pieces.	$13-26
   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
   • FANUC
   • Lathe Machines
   • Okuma
   • Aerospace
   • G Code
   • Comparators
   • Mori Seiki
   • Spindles
   • In-Process Inspection
   • Mazak
   • CMM
   • Machine Tools
   • Blueprint Specifications

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Set up and run CNC lathes with Fanuc controls.
   • Set up and edit program as needed for Okuma LB35, Mazak lathe machine.
   • Experience running Haas mills, lathes, and Leadwell CNC lathes.
   • Experience running Mazak CNC lathe and mills.
   • Learned and familiarize myself with Mazak machines.
   • Operate various types of Mori Seiko lathes, and a few Haas verticle mills.

3. Make a budget

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

   • Location. For example, lathe set up operators' average salary in kentucky is 28% less than in pennsylvania.
   • Seniority. Entry-level lathe set up operators 47% less than senior-level lathe set up operators.
   • Certifications. A lathe set up 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 set up operator's salary.

   Average lathe set up operator salary

   $40,481yearly

   $19.46 hourly rate

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   Entry-level lathe set up operator salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated February 1, 2026

4. Writing a lathe set up operator job description

   A good lathe set up 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 set up operator job description:

   Lathe set up operator job description example

   CNC LATHE SET-UP OPERATOR – A SHIFT
   
   Advantech Industries Inc. is a contract manufacturer providing sheet metal and precision CNC machined parts and assemblies. We are looking to immediately fill a Lathe Set-Up Operator position for our A shift. Hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30am – 4:00pm. Eligible candidates must have a High School Diploma/GED and 5 years experience.
   
   DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
   -Sets up machine and observes machine operation to verify accuracy of machine settings and to detect malfunctions or out-of-tolerance machining, using precision measuring instruments such as micrometer and caliper.
   -Sets up and controls operation of computerized deburring and tooling machine to perform series of machining operations, such as drilling, chamfering, and deburring.
   -Inspects "first part", and inspects work pieces throughout the production run for out-of-tolerance machining.

   -Experience on Mazak machines preferred.
   -Clean machine and work area.
   -Provide aid and guidance to machine operators with less experience or skill.
   
   SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
   •With limited supervision and quality work ethic, functions as a member of a customer-driven quality team whose goal is to ensure that product quality requirements established by the customer have been achieved
   •Holds oneself accountable for doing whatever is needed to meet the commitments made around project outcomes
   •Maintains adequate levels of performance and motivation despite job tasks that are routine, repetitive, and/or non-stimulating
   •Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directives
   •Ability to work well under pressure, to adhere to deadlines and the ability to be flexible
   •Thorough operational knowledge and skills of specific CNC mills and lathes to be operated with the ability to calculate and set machine controls either manually or by entering commands
   •Ability to operate assigned equipment safely and efficiently
   •Ability to keep record of time spent and material used
   •Ability to use precision measuring tools and equipment, read drawings and blueprints, and be familiar with common machine and measuring tools, including micrometers and calipers
   •Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals
   
   JOB BENEFITS
   Vacation
   Paid Sick Leave
   Holidays
   Health
   Dental

   Vision

   Life Insurance
   401(k) Plan
   
   Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

   Advantech Industries is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Any person with a disability needing special accommodations to the application process please call Human Resources.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find lathe set up operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

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

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit lathe set up operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete 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 set up operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the lathe set up 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.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new lathe set up 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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