Grinding and polishing workers, hand
SOC Code: 51-9022Also known as:
Aircraft Skin Burnisher, Balance Wheel Arm Burnisher, Balance Wheel Hand Filer, Barrel Finisher, Beveler
Median Annual Salary
$41,690
-21.2% growth (2024-2034)
800
Openings/Year
12K
Current Jobs
What Grinding and polishing workers, hand Do
Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.
💰 Salary
$41,690
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-21.2%
Decline
🎓 Education
No formal educational credential
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
800
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
11,800
Projected Employment (2034)
9,300
Related Careers
Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners
$48,970 •
-7.8% growth
Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
$40,440 •
-1.8% growth
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders
$45,700 •
-2.3% growth
Molders, shapers, and casters, except metal and plastic
$45,690 •
+6.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Quality Control Analysis
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Equipment Maintenance
Repairing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Verify quality of finished workpieces by inspecting them, comparing them to templates, measuring their dimensions, or testing them in working machinery.
- Grind, sand, clean, or polish objects or parts to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools.
- Measure and mark equipment, objects, or parts to ensure grinding and polishing standards are met.
- Trim, scrape, or deburr objects or parts, using chisels, scrapers, and other hand tools and equipment.
- Mark defects, such as knotholes, cracks, and splits, for repair.
- Study blueprints or layouts to determine how to lay out workpieces or saw out templates.
- Move controls to adjust, start, or stop equipment during grinding and polishing processes.
- Load and adjust workpieces onto equipment or work tables, using hand tools.
- Repair and maintain equipment, objects, or parts, using hand tools.
- Select files or other abrasives, according to materials, sizes and shapes of workpieces, amount of stock to be removed, finishes specified, and steps in finishing processes.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
No formal educational credential
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
College Rankings
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do grinding and polishing workers, hand make?
The median annual salary for grinding and polishing workers, hand is $41,690.
What education do grinding and polishing workers, hand need?
Most grinding and polishing workers, hand positions require a no formal educational credential.
Is becoming a grinding and polishing workers, hand a good career choice?
Grinding and polishing workers, hand is projected to see -21.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for grinding and polishing workers, hand?
The best colleges offer strong programs in related fields with experienced faculty and industry connections.
What other job titles are similar to grinding and polishing workers, hand?
Grinding and polishing workers, hand may also be known as: Aircraft Skin Burnisher, Balance Wheel Arm Burnisher, Balance Wheel Hand Filer, Barrel Finisher, Beveler, Bit Shaver, Buffer, Burrer, Cabinet Finisher, Casting Finisher, Center Hole Reamer, Chipper, Deburr Finisher, Deburr Hand, Deburr Operator, Dial Polisher, Fettler, Fiberglass Boat Parts Finisher, Filer, Final Finisher.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.