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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lathe Machine Operator in Virginia is $37,730 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 | $40,746 | $3,396 | $784 | $20 |
| Average | $37,730 | $3,144 | $726 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,134 | $2,928 | $676 | $17 |
Stella-Jones - Goshen, VA
Aerotek - Lexington, VA
Klockner Pentaplast - Gordonsville, VA
Multi-Color Corporation - Chesapeake, VA
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 | $38,271 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $42,365 |
| Returns C... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $46,781 |
| Returns S... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $59,954 |
| Returns M... Level Lathe Machine Operator | $67,314 |
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 | $45,277 | $22.0 | 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 | $40,746 | $3,396 | $784 | $20 |
| Average | $37,730 | $3,144 | $726 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,134 | $2,928 | $676 | $17 |
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.
Perdue Farms
Accomac, VA
Perdue Farms | Accomac, VA
Machine Operator. Be a key player in keeping production moving. As a Machine Operator, you'll maintain, service, and perform repairs on production equipmen... more
10 Days Ago
Usam DC, LLC
Manassas, VA
Usam DC, LLC | Manassas, VA
Machinist Position. USAM DC is searching for a skilled Machinist to join our off-shift team. Positions are needed for operation of Machine Centers such as ... more
10 Days Ago
Conner Industries
Chester, VA
Conner Industries | Chester, VA
Job Title. Conner Industries, Inc. is a leading provider of custom wood packaging and integrated packaging solutions, serving customers across a wide range... more
10 Days Ago
Hampton Farms
Franklin, VA
Hampton Farms | Franklin, VA
Machine Operator. This position is based at our Hampton Farms location in Franklin, VA. MUST have your OWN resume attached with a personal email listed. Ha... more
10 Days Ago
Ameristar Perimeter Security USA Inc., An Assa Abloy Group Brand
Salem, VA
Ameristar Perimeter Security USA Inc., An Assa Abloy Group Brand | Salem, VA
General Operator. Business Unit: Medeco Security Locks. Location: Salem, VA (on-site). Job Class: Hourly/Non-Exempt. Status: Full Time. Reports To: Operati... more
10 Days Ago
Cascades
Ashland, VA
Cascades | Ashland, VA
Welcome to Cascades. At Cascades, Sustainable Development means Respecting the True Nature of our 10,000 talents.We put you first:Salary range for Machine ... more
11 Days Ago
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