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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lathe Machine Operator in Texas is $36,546 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
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 | $39,468 | $3,289 | $759 | $19 |
| Average | $36,546 | $3,046 | $703 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,032 | $2,836 | $654 | $16 |
Staff Solve - Houston, TX
Ferpa Precision Machine Inc - Houston, TX
Carlton Staffing - Houston, TX
Express Employment Professionals Defunct - Fort Worth, TX
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 | $37,070 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $41,035 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $45,313 |
| Returns S... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $58,072 |
| Returns M... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $65,202 |
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 | $43,856 | $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 | $39,468 | $3,289 | $759 | $19 |
| Average | $36,546 | $3,046 | $703 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,032 | $2,836 | $654 | $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.
Automatic Products Corporation
Garland, TX
Automatic Products Corporation | Garland, TX
Full Time Positions For Lathe/Mill Setup Operators. Functions. Oversee and coordinate machining operations and activities. Troubleshoot and resolve issues ... more
9 Days Ago
Enerstaff
Houston, TX
Enerstaff | Houston, TX
Job Description. Job Description. CNC Lathe Operator. Pay. $28-$32 DOE. Shift. 5am-1:30pm M-F. No weekends, some OT possible during busy schedules. Locatio... more
9 Days Ago
Stream-Flo Industries
Longview, TX
Stream-Flo Industries | Longview, TX
Job Posting. Stream-Flo is one of the largest privately held companies providing wellheads, gate valves, check valves, and surface safety systems for the w... more
10 Days Ago
VSSI LLC Staffing Services
Houston, TX
VSSI LLC Staffing Services | Houston, TX
Job Description. Job Description. CNC Lathe Operator. Houston, Tx. $28 - $30 per hour (Based on Experience). Shift: Monday - Friday, 5:00 AM - 1:30 PM. Job... more
11 Days Ago
Wieland
Kilgore, TX
Wieland | Kilgore, TX
Job Description. Job Description. Overview. Wieland - Creating Value for Generations. Wieland is a global leader in copper and copper alloy manufacturing, ... more
11 Days Ago
Aerotek
Justin, TX
Aerotek | Justin, TX
Aerotek - 3101 Fulling Mill Rd - Responsibilities: Operate CNC lathes safely. Interpret blueprints and run jobs. Edit CNC programs with G-code. Perform bas... more
11 Days Ago
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