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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lathe Machine Operator in Alabama is $34,422 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Lathe Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lathe Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $37,173 | $3,098 | $715 | $18 |
| Average | $34,422 | $2,869 | $662 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,054 | $2,671 | $616 | $15 |
Snelling - Birmingham - Birmingham, AL
Snelling - Birmingham, AL
Industrial Manufacturing Company - North Alabama - Decatur, AL
Elwood Staffing Services, Inc. - Albertville, AL
A Lathe Machine Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lathe Machine Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Lathe Mac... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $34,915 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $38,650 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $42,679 |
| Returns S... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $54,697 |
| Returns M... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $61,412 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Lathe Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Lathe Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Lathe Machine Operator positions in Aerospace & Defense or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lathe Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $41,306 | $20.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Lathe Machine Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $37,173 | $3,098 | $715 | $18 |
| Average | $34,422 | $2,869 | $662 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,054 | $2,671 | $616 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lathe Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Spherion
Tallassee, AL
Manpower
Rainsville, AL
Manpower | Rainsville, AL
Machine Operator. Our client, an industry leader in manufacturing, is seeking a Machine Operator to join their team. As a Machine Operator, you will be par... more
8 Days Ago
Red Diamond Coffee & Tea
Birmingham, AL
Red Diamond Coffee & Tea | Birmingham, AL
Machine Operator 4-Day Work Week. Location: Red Diamond | Moody, AL Shifts Available. First Shift: MondayThursday, 5:00 AM 3:30 PM ($19/hour). Second Shift... more
8 Days Ago
Savard Labor & Marine Personnel
Birmingham, AL
Savard Labor & Marine Personnel | Birmingham, AL
Machine Operator. Birmingham, AL 35208. Job Description. Machine Operator $1,332.80+ WEEKLY Join Darrell Walker, A Savard Personnel Group - where your skil... more
9 Days Ago
Staffmark
Marion, AL
Staffmark | Marion, AL
Machine Operator. Ready to take the next step in your career and gain a valuable work-life balance. Staffmark is hiring machine operators in Marion, AL. Th... more
9 Days Ago
Johnson Controls
Dothan, AL
Johnson Controls | Dothan, AL
Job Posting. Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will recei... more
10 Days Ago
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