Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.
U.S. Workers
18,970
Median Salary
$48,620
10-Year Growth
-13.6%
Annual Openings
1,500
Typical entry: High school diploma or equivalent
16 of 16 tasks have some AI capability
Exposure Trend
This score reflects estimated AI technical capability for tasks in this occupation. It does not predict employment changes, and it does not account for company-specific constraints, regulation, or adoption barriers.
Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
AI: Fully automatable - AI can fully read blueprints, extract specifications, plan operation sequences, and determine material and tooling requirements using CAD/CAM and document-parsing tools.
Select cutting tools and tooling instructions, according to written specifications or knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
AI: Fully automatable - AI and CAM systems can select cutting tools and compute feeds/ speeds and tooling instructions from material properties and shop data, often producing ready-to-run programs.
Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
AI: Fully automatable - Computing missing dimensions and machine settings from material properties and shop mathematics is well within AI capabilities using CAD/CAM tools, material databases, and established formulas.
Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
AI: Fully automatable - Tool movement and feed control are routinely automated by CNC and industrial control systems that AI can program and manage without human handwheel operation.
Turn valve handles to direct the flow of coolant onto work areas or to coat disks with spinning compounds.
AI: Fully automatable - Directing coolant flow by actuating valves or controlled dispensers is straightforward to automate with actuators and control software under AI supervision.
Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
AI: Partial - AI and adaptive CNC systems can adjust machine parameters and recommend tool changes to hold tolerances, but many setups and manual machines still require human intervention and judgment.
Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
AI: Partial - Automated tool grinders and robotic changers exist and AI can program or monitor them, yet most shops still rely on skilled manual sharpening and interventions for complex or custom tooling.
Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
AI: Partial - AI-driven vision and probe-based metrology can perform automated inspections in many contexts, but tactile measurements with hand instruments and complex fixturing often require human setup and verification.
Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.
AI: Partial - Machines can be started and monitored automatically with sensors and control software and AI can flag deviations, but human operators are still needed for many manual lathes and atypical situations.
Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
AI: Partial - Robots and automatic tool changers can position and secure tools in some environments, yet precise manual alignment and verification with hand tools remain common and often necessary.
Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
AI: Partial - CNC and automated test cycles can simulate and run operations with adaptive stops and adjustments, but many manual cycle-by-cycle adjustments and judgment calls still require humans.
Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
AI: Partial - AI can set and optimize cutting speeds, depths, and feed rates in CNC environments, but manual control and repositioning on older or non-automated machines still require human action.
Refill, change, and monitor the level of fluids, such as oil and coolant, in machines.
AI: Partial - Sensors and automated lubrication/coolant systems allow AI to monitor and control fluid levels, but physical refills, pump replacements, and many maintenance tasks remain manual in most shops.
Install holding fixtures, cams, gears, and stops to control stock and tool movement, using hand tools, power tools, and measuring instruments.
AI: Partial - Robots and AI can assist or perform fixture installation in structured, repetitive setups, but many shop setups still require human adaptability, fine tactile adjustments, and ad hoc problem‑solving.
Lift metal stock or workpieces manually or using hoists, and position and secure them in machines, using fasteners and hand tools.
AI: Partial - Automated hoists and robots can lift and position stock in controlled environments, but manual lifting, fixturing with varied parts, and safety judgments still commonly require human workers.
Mount attachments, such as relieving or tracing attachments, to perform operations, such as duplicating contours of templates or trimming workpieces.
AI: Partial - Mounting specialized attachments can be automated for standardized tooling, but many attachment setups require human alignment, fixturing nuances, and judgment that limit full automation.