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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lathe Machine Operator in Iowa is $35,857 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 | $38,723 | $3,227 | $745 | $19 |
| Average | $35,857 | $2,988 | $690 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,390 | $2,782 | $642 | $16 |
ALPLA Group - Iowa City, IA
Aerotek - Des Moines, IA
Aerotek - Ames, IA
Aerotek - Bettendorf, IA
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 | $36,371 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $40,261 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $44,458 |
| Returns S... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $56,977 |
| Returns M... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $63,972 |
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 | $43,028 | $21.0 | 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 | $38,723 | $3,227 | $745 | $19 |
| Average | $35,857 | $2,988 | $690 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,390 | $2,782 | $642 | $16 |
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.
Advance Services
Cedar Rapids, IA
Advance Services | Cedar Rapids, IA
Machine Operator. Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Job Number: 292961 Pay Rate: $26. Job Description. Machine Operator Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Pay: $26 Shift: 12... more
8 Days Ago
Amcor
Centerville, IA
Amcor | Centerville, IA
Machine Operator. Join Amcor as a Machine Operator, where you'll be responsible for safely and efficiently operating printing presses or e-beam treaters wh... more
9 Days Ago
Power Brace Manufacturing
Ankeny, IA
Power Brace Manufacturing | Ankeny, IA
Machine Operator. Machine operator hiring for all shifts. 1st shift, 2nd shift, or 3rd shift. Join a dependable, growing company with opportunities for pro... more
9 Days Ago
Tommy Gate
Woodbine, IA
Tommy Gate | Woodbine, IA
Machine Operator. At Tommy Gate, we believe in the power of career development and the transformative impact it can have on individuals and communities. As... more
9 Days Ago
Express Employment Professionals
Boone, IA
Express Employment Professionals | Boone, IA
Are you wanting to get your foot in the door to build your skills while starting a long-term, stable career. If the answer is yes, we want to talk to you. ... more
10 Days Ago
Sika
Ames, IA
Sika | Ames, IA
Company Description With more than 100 years of experience, Sika is a worldwide innovation and sustainability leader in the development and production of s... more
10 Days Ago
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