Friction and wear between the vane and vane slots greatly affect the performance and reliability in the rotary compressor. Therefore, it is important to understand the friction and wear characteristics of the vane in order to improve the performance of a compressor. In this study, the friction and wear characteristics of a vane component was investigated with respect to the machining method. Specimens were manufactured by using various machining methods. A reciprocating-type tribotester and a confocal microscope were used for the sliding friction tests and for the analysis of surface characteristics, respectively. Experimental results showed that the friction and wear characteristics varied with the machining method of the vane contact surface.