Turret lathe operator vs blasting machine operator

The differences between turret lathe operators and blasting machine operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a turret lathe operator, becoming a blasting machine operator takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a turret lathe operator has an average salary of $38,904, which is higher than the $31,116 average annual salary of a blasting machine operator.

The top three skills for a turret lathe operator include pallets, hand tools and calipers. The most important skills for a blasting machine operator are basic math, hand tools, and blast machine.

Turret lathe operator vs blasting machine operator overview

	Turret Lathe Operator	Blasting Machine Operator
Yearly salary	$38,904	$31,116
Hourly rate	$18.70	$14.96
Growth rate	-8%	4%
Number of jobs	44,277	57,806
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 63%
Average age	43	43
Years of experience	2	4

Turret lathe operator vs blasting machine operator salary

Turret lathe operators and blasting machine operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Turret Lathe Operator	Blasting Machine Operator
Average salary	$38,904	$31,116
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $47,000	Between $21,000 And $46,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between turret lathe operator and blasting machine operator education

There are a few differences between a turret lathe operator and a blasting machine operator in terms of educational background:

	Turret Lathe Operator	Blasting Machine Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 50%	High School Diploma, 63%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Turret lathe operator vs blasting machine operator demographics

Here are the differences between turret lathe operators' and blasting machine operators' demographics:

	Turret Lathe Operator	Blasting Machine Operator
Average age	43	43
Gender ratio	Male, 89.2% Female, 10.8%	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 4.8% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 14.5% Asian, 5.4% White, 69.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage	6%	2%

Differences between turret lathe operator and blasting machine operator duties and responsibilities

Turret lathe operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Maintain SPC and record data to assure the part is within control limits; maintain accurate downtime and production records.
Use of CMM equipment to measure parts with a high degree of accuracy and make offsets to cutting machinery if necessary.
Involve in maintaining continuous improvement in documentation and procedures for ISO certification.
Fulfill production responsibilities to customer while maintaining superior quality using physical gauges and CMM machines.
Create procedures for inspection and documentation of ISO compliant, manufacture components for a laser surgery workstation.

Blasting machine operator example responsibilities.

Assure that the proper abrasive metal, grit, metal shoot, seed, glass bead etc.
Utilize up to three 30 ton roof cranes simultaneously to safely maneuver girders weighing up to 82 tons.
Record statistics on ISO documentation, and coordinate with machine technicians and electrical technicians to keep machines operating at maximum efficiency.
Operate industrial paint vats, cross train on overhead cab crane and heat treat.
Operate CNC horizontal milling machines and CNC wire and sinker EDM machines.
Assemble bolt and wire harnesses, forklift, tool crib, and EDM machine operator.

Turret lathe operator vs blasting machine operator skills

Common turret lathe operator skills

Pallets, 38%
Hand Tools, 15%
Calipers, 15%
Inventory Control, 7%
Load Trucks, 5%
Punch Press, 4%

Common blasting machine operator skills

Basic Math, 76%
Hand Tools, 5%
Blast Machine, 5%
Cranes, 5%
Grit, 4%
CNC, 2%

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Turret Lathe Operator
Turret Lathe Operator vs Blasting Machine Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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