CNC Lathe Operator Overview

Required Education and Training To Become a CNC Lathe Operator

Best Schools to become a CNC Lathe Operator in U.S. 2024

Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden, AL

In-State Tuition:$4,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,000
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:25%
Total Enrollment:4,352

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Rome, GA

In-State Tuition:$2,400
Out-of-State Tuition:$4,800
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:6,141

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

Elizabethtown, KY

In-State Tuition:$4,368
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,288
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:42%
Total Enrollment:5,648

Bluegrass Community and Technical College

Lexington, KY

In-State Tuition:$4,368
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,288
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:35%
Total Enrollment:10,318

Owensboro Community and Technical College

Owensboro, KY

In-State Tuition:$4,368
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,288
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:47%
Total Enrollment:4,621

MIAT College of Technology

Canton, MI

In-State Tuition:$14,678
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,678
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:61%
Total Enrollment:1,303
CNC Lathe Operator Job Description:
  • Operate computer-controlled tools, machines, or robots to machine or process parts, tools, or other work pieces made of metal, plastic, wood, stone, or other materials.
  • May also set up and maintain equipment.

Required Skills and Competencies To Become a CNC Lathe Operator

Job Duties for CNC Lathe Operators

  • Measure dimensions of finished workpieces to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments, templates, and fixtures.

  • Mount, install, align, and secure tools, attachments, fixtures, and workpieces on machines, using hand tools and precision measuring instruments.

  • Set up and operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic workpieces.

Technologies and Skills Used by CNC Lathe Operators

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software

  • 1CadCam Unigraphics
  • Vero International VISI-Series

Video conferencing software

  • FaceTime

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Current Job Market and Opportunites for a CNC Lathe Operator

Additional Resources To Help You Become a CNC Lathe Operator

FAQs About Becoming a CNC Lathe Operator