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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$50,370
Median Annual Salary
▲ +3.3% vs 2024
$53,880
Mean Salary
$50,370
Median Salary
$24.22
Hourly Rate
180 people work as Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary by percentile in Iowa

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $47,070$47,07025th25% earn less than $48,860$48,860MedianHalf earn more than $50,370$50,37075th75% earn less than $58,390$58,39090thTop 10% earn more than $67,990$67,990

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa earn a median salary of $50,370 per year ($4,197/month). This is 2.4% below the national average of $51,604. Iowa ranks #17 out of 36 states for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay. Approximately 180 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries increased by 3.3% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Set up, operate, or tend lathe and turning machines to turn, bore, thread, form, or face metal or plastic materials, such as wire, rod, or bar stock.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.5
Operation and Control
3.38
Monitoring
3.12
Quality Control Analysis
3.12
Reading Comprehension
3.0

Key Knowledge Areas

Mathematics
3.73
Mechanical
3.37
English Language
3.25
Education and Training
2.95
Production and Processing
2.93
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (68.3% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa

Salaries for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa range from $47,070 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $67,990 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $48,860 and $58,390.

Median $50,370
P10: $47,070 P25: $48,860 P75: $58,390 P90: $67,990
10th
$47,070
25th
$48,860
Median
$50,370
75th
$58,390
90th
$67,990
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $47,070 $22.63 $3,922
25th Percentile $48,860 $23.49 $4,071
Median (50th) $50,370 $24.22 $4,197
75th Percentile $58,390 $28.07 $4,865
90th Percentile (Experienced) $67,990 $32.69 $5,665

Note: The mean (average) salary of $53,880 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#17
Iowa ranks #17 of 36 states
$51,604
National avg. for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
-2.4%
vs. national average
Near Average

What does this salary really buy? See Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Iowa adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic take-home pay in Iowa after taxes →

Explore Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Data in Iowa

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary by State

Compare Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa is $50,370 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $53,880.
What is the salary range for a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa?
Salaries for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa range from $47,070 at the 10th percentile to $67,990 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $48,860 and $58,390.
What is the starting salary for a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa?
Entry-level Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Iowa typically start around $47,070 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $48,860 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 180 people are employed as Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Iowa is approximately $24.22 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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