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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lathe Machine Operator in North Carolina is $35,606 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 | $38,452 | $3,204 | $739 | $18 |
| Average | $35,606 | $2,967 | $685 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,156 | $2,763 | $638 | $16 |
Customer Driven Staffing - North Carolina - Statesville, NC
EmployBridge - Kannapolis, NC
Martin Sprocket and Gear, Inc. - Albemarle, NC
Martin Sprocket and Gear, Inc. - Albemarle, NC
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 | $36,116 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $39,979 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $44,147 |
| Returns S... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $56,578 |
| Returns M... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $63,524 |
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 | $42,727 | $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 | $38,452 | $3,204 | $739 | $18 |
| Average | $35,606 | $2,967 | $685 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,156 | $2,763 | $638 | $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.
W.D. Lee and Company
Gastonia, NC
W.D. Lee and Company | Gastonia, NC
Job Description. Job Description. CNC Lathe Programmer / Setup / Operator – Mazak with Mazatrol Control. Company. WD Lee. Job Type. Full-time. Schedule. Mo... more
8 Days Ago
Unifi
Yadkinville, NC
Unifi | Yadkinville, NC
Machine Operator. We are seeking Machine Operators in Yadkinville, NC for day and night shifts. How will you play an integral role. The Machine Operator wi... more
7 Days Ago
Airbus Aerosystems Kinston, Inc
Kinston, NC
Airbus Aerosystems Kinston, Inc | Kinston, NC
Airbus is committed to providing reasonable accommodations as an Equal Opportunity Employer to applicants with disabilities.If you require assistance or an... more
9 Days Ago
AtWork Personnel
Enka, NC
AtWork Personnel | Enka, NC
Enka Candler Manufacturing Facility Seeking Machine Operators New Operators Rotating days/8-hour shifts 6:40a-2:40p. 2:40p-10:40. 10:40p-6:40aOnce trained,... more
10 Days Ago
Camfil USA Inc.
Conover, NC
Camfil USA Inc. | Conover, NC
MACHINE OPERATOR Conover, NC CAMFIL - A GLOBAL LEADER IN AIR FILTERS AND CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS For more than half a century, Camfil has been a leading manufa... more
10 Days Ago
Express Employment Professionals
Goldsboro, NC
Express Employment Professionals | Goldsboro, NC
Express is now hiring for a machine operator in Goldsboro. 1st shift.Please call our office for more details. 919-243-2017 Job Type:Full-time Pay:$17.55 - ... more
10 Days Ago
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