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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lathe Machine Operator in Missouri is $35,599 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 | $38,444 | $3,204 | $739 | $18 |
| Average | $35,599 | $2,967 | $685 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,149 | $2,762 | $637 | $16 |
TOOL SPECIALTIES CO CORP - Hazelwood, MO
STERIS - Operations - Saint Louis, MO
Alpla - Saint Peters, MO
Peak Hire - Oak Grove, MO
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 | $36,109 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $39,971 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $44,138 |
| Returns S... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $56,566 |
| Returns M... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $63,511 |
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 | $42,718 | $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 | $38,444 | $3,204 | $739 | $18 |
| Average | $35,599 | $2,967 | $685 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,149 | $2,762 | $637 | $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.
Phoenix Manufacturing, Llc
Glasgow, MO
Phoenix Manufacturing, Llc | Glasgow, MO
Machine Operator. Phoenix Manufacturing is looking for a Machine Operator at our manufacturing facility in Glasgow, Missouri. This position reports to the ... more
9 Days Ago
West Side Personnel
Imperial, MO
West Side Personnel | Imperial, MO
Thermoforming Machine Operator. Responsible for setting up, adjusting, and operating thermoforming machines to efficiently produce high-quality parts. This... more
9 Days Ago
QPS
Kansas City, MO
QPS | Kansas City, MO
Machine Operator. Wage: $21.00/hour. Shift: 2nd. Hours: 2:30pm-12:30am Monday-Thursday. QPS is hiring experienced Machine Operators for a fast-paced manufa... more
9 Days Ago
Manpower
Marston, MO
Manpower | Marston, MO
Machine Operator. Our client, a leader in the manufacturing industry, is seeking a Machine Operator to join their team. As a Machine Operator, you will be ... more
9 Days Ago
Winland Foods
Saint Louis, MO
Winland Foods | Saint Louis, MO
Machine Operator. Winland Foods is proud to support a collaborative company culture and continued company growth, creating new opportunities. Due to this g... more
10 Days Ago
Cenveo
Kirksville, MO
Cenveo | Kirksville, MO
Machine Packer. Information about the Company: Cenveo, a world leading North American manufacturer of envelopes with over 100 years of experience and appro... more
10 Days Ago
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