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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$40,730
Median Annual Salary
▼ -12.2% vs 2024
$45,320
Mean Salary
$40,730
Median Salary
$19.58
Hourly Rate
700 people work as Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee

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

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 Tennessee — 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 Tennessee.10thBottom 10% earn less than $35,080$35,08025th25% earn less than $37,770$37,770MedianHalf earn more than $40,730$40,73075th75% earn less than $55,850$55,85090thTop 10% earn more than $59,910$59,910

Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee earn a median salary of $40,730 per year ($3,394/month). This is 21.1% below the national average of $51,604. Tennessee ranks #35 out of 36 states for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay. Approximately 700 people work in this occupation across Tennessee. Salaries decreased by 12.2% 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 Tennessee

Salaries for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee range from $35,080 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $59,910 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,770 and $55,850.

Median $40,730
P10: $35,080 P25: $37,770 P75: $55,850 P90: $59,910
10th
$35,080
25th
$37,770
Median
$40,730
75th
$55,850
90th
$59,910
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $35,080 $16.87 $2,923
25th Percentile $37,770 $18.16 $3,147
Median (50th) $40,730 $19.58 $3,394
75th Percentile $55,850 $26.85 $4,654
90th Percentile (Experienced) $59,910 $28.80 $4,992

Note: The mean (average) salary of $45,320 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#35
Tennessee ranks #35 of 36 states
$51,604
National avg. for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
-21.1%
vs. national average
Below Average

What does this salary really buy? See Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Tennessee 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 Tennessee after taxes →

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

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 Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee is $40,730 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $45,320.
What is the salary range for a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee?
Salaries for Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee range from $35,080 at the 10th percentile to $59,910 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,770 and $55,850.
What is the starting salary for a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee?
Entry-level Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Tennessee typically start around $35,080 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,770 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 700 people are employed as Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee.
What is the hourly rate for a Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee is approximately $19.58 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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