How to Become a 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 Plastics in Tennessee earn a median salary of $46,400/year, which is 5% below the national average. Tennessee has no state income tax. After taxes and rent, a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic takes home approximately $1,865/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic can afford in Tennessee
Becoming a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Tennessee
Meet education requirements
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Tennessee. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions in Tennessee require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain Tennessee licensure or certification
Tennessee may require specific licensing or professional certification for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. Requirements vary by state — contact the Tennessee Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in Tennessee
Tennessee employs 1,060 lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics. The highest concentrations are in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin and Chattanooga.
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary by metro area in Tennessee
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $51K | $24.56/hr | 90 |
| Chattanooga | $47K | $22.61/hr | 70 |
| Knoxville | $46K | $22.31/hr | 580 |
| Memphis | $31K | $15.14/hr | 40 |
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary range in Tennessee
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make in Tennessee?▼
The median lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in Tennessee is $46,400 per year ($22.31/hr). This is 5% below the national median of $48,620. Salaries range from $32,080 to $50,220.
What are the requirements to become a 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 positions in Tennessee typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Tennessee may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Tennessee licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic afford to live in Tennessee?▼
At the median salary of $46,400, a lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Tennessee would take home approximately $3,277/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 43.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in Tennessee?▼
The highest paying metro areas for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics in Tennessee are Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin ($51,080), Chattanooga ($47,040), Knoxville ($46,400). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does Tennessee have state income tax for lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics?▼
No, Tennessee does not have a state income tax. This means lathe and turning machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics keep more of their gross salary compared to states with income tax — a significant advantage for affordability.