Lathe operator, Kaiwhakamahi paetārai
Also known as
- Turn operator, CNC lathe operator, screw machine tool setter, CNC machinist, metal lathe tradesperson, metal spinning lathe operator, metal working lathe operator
Lathe operators use lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread and form metal or plastic materials like wire or rods.
Your pay could be
$50K
Lower
$62K to $86K
Most common
$119K
Upper
How does this pay compare?
Pay is before tax
Lathe operators
- usually work shifts, including evenings and weekends
- usually work in factories and workshops
- may work in noisy conditions
- may do physically demanding work
- need to methodical, accurate and safety conscious
Tasks
- operate metal or plastic forming equipment
- operate grinding equipment
- sharpen cutting or grinding tools
- replace worn equipment components
- measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications
- monitor equipment operation to ensure that products are not flawed
- operate cutting equipment
- mount attachments or tools onto production equipment
- conduct test runs of production equipment
- read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements
Practical
Investigative
Organised
Interests that fit this job
Interest quiz,
Kairoro Whakaritea
Do the Interest quiz to find out how well your interests fit with this job.
Do the quizYou usually learn on the job to become a lathe operator and a qualification and experience may be useful.
You may need
- a New Zealand Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Trade) (Level 4)
- experience in similar work
If you’re in school
You usually don’t need specific NCEA levels for this job, but Level 2 may be useful.
Loading job ads
Other career ideas in Factory machineryĒtahi atu huatau aramahi i Ngā mīhini wheketere,
Showing career ideas 1-6 of 19