What a turner does, and why the rate moves by state
Turners shape metal components on a lathe to fine tolerances, reading drawings and finishing to gauge. An ITI Turner trade and precision skill place them firmly in the skilled grade, and they are core to any machine shop or tool room.
A turner typically handles lathe operation, turning components to tolerance and finishing, work generally classified as skilled, and is deployed at engineering workshops, tool rooms and machine shops. Because each state sets its own minimum wage under the Minimum Wages Act, with its own skill bands, zones and twice-yearly dearness-allowance revisions, the same turner can be owed very different pay in two neighbouring states. That is why staffing and manpower firms deploying across states cannot run one flat wage: each posting must be checked against the state schedule for the worker's category and zone.
Underpaying even by the difference between two zones is an offence under the Act and surfaces the moment a principal employer audits the wage register. The safe practice is to re-check every rate on 1 April and 1 October, when most states revise, and to keep the wage register, muster roll and wage slips current for each site.
Frequently asked questions
Which state has the highest minimum wage for a turner?
Among the verified states, Jharkhand has the highest at about ≈ ₹18,512 a month for a skilled turner, and Rajasthan the lowest at about ₹8,034. Rates revise every six months, so confirm against the latest state notification.
Is a turner skilled or unskilled?
For minimum-wage purposes a turner doing lathe operation, turning components to tolerance and finishing is generally classified as skilled. The exact category can vary with duties and the scheduled employment, so confirm against the state notification.
Why does the turner minimum wage differ by state?
Minimum wages are set state by state under the Minimum Wages Act, each with its own skill bands, zones and dearness-allowance revisions. That is why the same role can pay very differently across states.