Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
SOC Code: 51-4033Also known as:
Abrasive Worker, Air Grinder, Aluminum Polisher, Automatic Grinder Operator, Axle Bearing Polisher
Median Annual Salary
$45,190
-12.0% growth (2024-2034)
6K
Openings/Year
70K
Current Jobs
What Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic Do
Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.
💰 Salary
$45,190
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-12.0%
Decline
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
6K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
70,100
Projected Employment (2034)
61,700
Related Careers
Milling and planing machine setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
$48,310 •
-14.4% growth
Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners
$48,970 •
-7.8% growth
Woodworking machine setters, operators, and tenders, except sawing
$40,440 •
-1.8% growth
Grinding and polishing workers, hand
$41,690 •
-21.2% growth
Cutting and slicing machine setters, operators, and tenders
$45,700 •
-2.3% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Quality Control Analysis
Reading Comprehension
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
- Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
- Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
- Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
- Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
- Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
- Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
- Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
- Set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces.
- Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic:
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
3,539 degrees awarded •
248 colleges offer this program
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
1,634 degrees awarded •
97 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic make?
The median annual salary for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $45,190.
What education do grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic need?
Most grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Machine Tool Technology/Machinist, Machine Shop Technology/Assistant.
Is becoming a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic a good career choice?
Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is projected to see -12.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 5,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Top colleges for aspiring grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic include
State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Williamson College of the Trades, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, Northeast Technology Center.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic?
Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic may also be known as: Abrasive Worker, Air Grinder, Aluminum Polisher, Automatic Grinder Operator, Axle Bearing Polisher, Axle Polisher, Balance Screwhead Polisher, Band Reamer Machine Operator, Band Saw Filer, Barrel Centerer, Barrel Polisher, Bearing Grinder, Bearingizer, Belt Polisher, Belt Technician (Belt Tech), Bench Grinder, Bevel Face Stoner and Polisher, Bevel Polisher, Billet Grinder, Bit Grinder.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.