Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $42,660/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: -21.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — declining.
About 800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand?
The median pay for Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand is $42,660 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand?
Employment for Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand is projected to change -21.2% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.
What education is typically required for Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand?
Typical entry-level education: No formal educational credential.
How many job openings are there each year for Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand?
About 800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.