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Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary in TN

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in TN have a median annual salary of $40,730, with 700 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $35,080 at the 10th percentile to $59,910 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$40,730

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$19.58

Employment

700

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$35,080
10th
$37,770
25th
$40,730
Median
$55,850
75th
$59,910
90th

Local compared with national

TN

$40,730

Median annual · 2025

United States

$50,620

Median annual · 2025

The TN median is 19.5% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $9,890).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.5
  2. 2.Operation and ControlImportance 3.4
  3. 3.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.0
  4. 4.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  5. 5.MonitoringImportance 3.0
  6. 6.Equipment MaintenanceImportance 3.0
  7. 7.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.0
  8. 8.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 2.9
  9. 9.SpeakingImportance 2.8
  10. 10.Time ManagementImportance 2.8
  11. 11.Critical ThinkingImportance 2.6
  12. 12.CoordinationImportance 2.6

Career information

Education and experience

Typical education
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
Experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Autodesk HSMWorks
  • Computer numerical control CNC editor software
  • G-code
  • Inventory tracking software
  • M-code

Common tasks

  • Adjust machine controls and change tool settings to keep dimensions within specified tolerances.
  • Move controls to set cutting speeds and depths and feed rates, and to position tools in relation to workpieces.
  • Study blueprints, layouts or charts, and job orders for information on specifications and tooling instructions, and to determine material requirements and operational sequences.
  • Inspect sample workpieces to verify conformance with specifications, using instruments such as gauges, micrometers, and dial indicators.
  • Replace worn tools, and sharpen dull cutting tools and dies, using bench grinders or cutter-grinding machines.
  • Move toolholders manually or by turning handwheels, or engage automatic feeding mechanisms to feed tools to and along workpieces.
  • Compute unspecified dimensions and machine settings, using knowledge of metal properties and shop mathematics.
  • Crank machines through cycles, stopping to adjust tool positions and machine controls to ensure specified timing, clearances, and tolerances.
  • Position, secure, and align cutting tools in toolholders on machines, using hand tools, and verify their positions with measuring instruments.
  • Start lathe or turning machines and observe operations to ensure that specifications are met.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in other locations

Other occupations in TN