Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $46,550 per year ($22.38/hr) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Employment is projected to fall 10.8% through 2035, with about 4,500 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- SOC 51-4033
- Production
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic in four numbers
- Median pay
- $46,550a year, or $22.38/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $36KTop 10% $63K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- -10.8%DecliningBLS EP, 2025–2035This career−10.8%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career −10.8% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 4,50068,500 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202568.5K
- Projected 203561.1K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 68.5K Projected 2035 61.1K - Typical education
- High schoolneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
Also advertised as: Cell Operator, Centerless Grinder Operator, Deburrer, Die Maintenance Technician (Die Maintenance Tech), Finisher, Grinder.
Pay
How much do Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make?
Every grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setter, operator, and tender, metal and plastic in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$46,550
Middle half earn $39,390 to $54,290
- 10th
- $36,110
- 25th
- $39,390
- 75th
- $54,290
- 90th
- $62,600
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $36,110 |
| 25th | $39,390 |
| Median | $46,550 |
| 75th | $54,290 |
| 90th | $62,600 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $46,550
- Median hourly wage
- $22.38/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $48,170
- People employed
- 67,000
Versus all US occupations
At $46,550, Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn 9% below the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $4,430 a year.
Versus production occupations
Inside the Production group, where the middle occupation pays $48,030, this is 3% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $62,600 or more while the bottom 10% earn $36,110, a gap of 1.7×. That is a narrow spread, so experience and employer move pay less than in most occupations.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 15% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Cost of living
Oregon posts the highest raw median ($57,290), but once local prices are taken into account West Virginia leads at $55,812 in national-average dollars.
Pay by state
Which states pay Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Oregon | $57,290 | $55,427 | 1,180 |
| 2Minnesota | $51,780 | $52,504 | 1,400 |
| 3Massachusetts | $50,910 | $48,139 | 2,420 |
| 4Vermont | $50,640 | $51,696 | 300 |
| 5West Virginia | $49,950 | $55,812 | 200 |
| 6Washington | $49,300 | $46,069 | 1,870 |
| 7New York | $49,290 | $45,672 | 2,410 |
| 8Kentucky | $49,160 | $54,526 | 850 |
| 9Connecticut | $48,590 | $46,897 | 1,530 |
| 10Nebraska | $48,500 | $53,827 | 300 |
Job outlook
Is Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Declining. -10.8% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | −10.8% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Declining
BLS projects employment of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic to change -10.8% over 2025–2035, while total US employment is projected to rise 3.5%. That is 7,400 fewer jobs.
Annual openings
About 4,500 openings are projected each year, 6.6% of the 68,500 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Overall employment of metal and plastic machine workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035, decline.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Projected employment of metal and plastic machine workers varies by occupation (see table).
One of the most important factors influencing employment of these workers is the use of laborsaving machinery. Many firms are continuing to expand the use of technologies, such as computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools and robots, to improve quality and lower production costs. The use of CNC equipment requires CNC tool programmers instead of machine setters, operators, and tenders. Therefore, demand for most manual tool operators and tenders is likely to be reduced, while demand for CNC tool programmers is expected to be strong.
Getting in
How to become a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
Metal and plastic workers typically need a high school diploma to enter the occupation and receive 1 year of on-the-job training. Computer numerically controlled (CNC) tool programmers typically need postsecondary education.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
High school diploma or equivalent
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Little or no preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
Full BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entryThe work
What does a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, 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.
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces.
Day-to-day tasks
- 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.
- Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
- Set and adjust machine controls according to product specifications, using knowledge of machine operation.
- Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
- Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
- Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
- Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
- Brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time. Some work more than 40 hours per week. Because many manufacturers run their machinery for extended periods, evening and weekend work is also common.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayOutdoors in all weather
NeverEvery dayAlmost never works outdoors.
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeOn their feet more than half the working day.
Bending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayDealing with the public
Not importantExtremely importantLittle or no dealing with customers or the public.
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayConflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lot
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Reading Comprehension3.0
- Critical Thinking2.9
- Monitoring2.9
- Active Listening2.8
- Speaking2.8
- Active Learning2.5
- Mathematics2.4
- Writing2.3
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 3.0 |
| Critical Thinking | 2.9 |
| Monitoring | 2.9 |
| Active Listening | 2.8 |
| Speaking | 2.8 |
| Active Learning | 2.5 |
| Mathematics | 2.4 |
| Writing | 2.3 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring4.0
- Operation and Control4.0
- Quality Control Analysis3.1
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0
- Complex Problem Solving2.9
- Troubleshooting2.9
- Coordination2.8
- Equipment Maintenance2.8
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 4.0 |
| Operation and Control | 4.0 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.1 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.0 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 2.9 |
| Troubleshooting | 2.9 |
| Coordination | 2.8 |
| Equipment Maintenance | 2.8 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Spreadsheet software · in demand
- Industrial control software
- Inventory management software
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 7 |
| Investigative | 2 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 4 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic7.0
- Conventional3.9
- Investigative2.1
- Artistic1.2
- Social1.0
- Enterprising1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
Careers related to Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
O*NET related occupations
- Production
- Production
Grinding and Polishing Worker, Hand
$42,660median a year
Most earn $33K to $61K
−19.2%No formal credential - Production
Woodworking Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Except Sawing
$43,380median a year
Most earn $32K to $57K
−2.5%High school - Production
Milling and Planing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$52,800median a year
Most earn $38K to $81K
−13.2%High school - Production
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setter, Operator, and Tender
$46,570median a year
Most earn $36K to $61K
−0.9%High school - Production
Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic
$50,620median a year
Most earn $37K to $70K
−11.3%High school
More production careers
Median annual pay, with grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic highlighted
- Power Plant Operator$102,040
- Tool and Die Maker$64,050
- Machinist$58,750
- Welder$53,750
- Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter$51,330
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$50,690
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic$46,550
- Butcher and Meat Cutter$40,140
- Baker$37,160
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Plant Operator | $102,040 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $64,050 |
| Machinist | $58,750 |
| Welder | $53,750 |
| Structural Metal Fabricator and Fitter | $51,330 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $50,690 |
| Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic | $46,550 |
| Butcher and Meat Cutter | $40,140 |
| Baker | $37,160 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic appears on
Questions
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic: frequently asked questions
How much do Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic make?
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic earn a median of $46,550 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), 9% below the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $22.38/hr. The middle half earn between $39,390 and $54,290. The top 10% earn $62,600 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic?
No. A bachelor's degree is not the norm: BLS reports a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. BLS also lists moderate-term on-the-job training as typical on-the-job training.
Is Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic a growing career?
No. BLS projects employment to fall 10.8% over 2025–2035, a loss of 7,400 jobs (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 4,500 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic do?
Metal and plastic machine workers set up and operate equipment that cuts, shapes, and forms metal and plastic materials or pieces. A core O*NET task: 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. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Enterprise resource planning ERP software, Office suite software.
Which states pay Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic the most?
The highest state medians for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are Oregon ($57,290), Minnesota ($51,780), Massachusetts ($50,910) (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Adjusted for local prices using BEA Regional Price Parities, West Virginia moves to the top at $55,812.
What personality type suits a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator, and Tender, Metal and Plastic?
O*NET scores Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic highest on the Realistic and Conventional interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.