Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
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.
SOC: 51-9022.00
Common Job Titles
ChipperFinisherGrinderPolisher
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onPerform grinding, sanding, and polishing operations on metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, and glass objects using hand tools and hand-held power tools such as angle grinders, belt sanders, and orbital buffers.Developing
- Hands-onOperate hand-held power equipment including air grinders, electric sander-polishers, and buffing wheels to achieve desired surface finishes and tolerances on diverse materials.Developing
- KnowledgeAssess surface quality and dimensional compliance of finished workpieces using precision measuring instruments such as digital micrometers, dial indicators, and dial bore gauges.Developing
- Hands-onManipulate abrasive materials and finishing tools to control surface texture and achieve specified finish quality standards.Developing
- KnowledgeDemonstrate operations monitoring of grinding and polishing processes to identify defects, adjust techniques, and maintain consistent product quality.Developing
- Hands-onExecute equipment maintenance and basic repair tasks on hand tools and power equipment to ensure optimal performance and safety.Developing
- KnowledgeApply troubleshooting procedures to diagnose and resolve equipment malfunctions and process irregularities.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret work orders, technical specifications, and production standards to determine appropriate finishing methods and quality criteria.Developing
- MindsetEngage in effective communication with supervisors and team members to coordinate workflow, report quality issues, and share process improvements.Developing
- KnowledgeChoose appropriate abrasives, polishing compounds, and tool configurations based on material type, desired finish, and production requirements.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
11,850
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $32,120 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $57,250 |
| Workers on average earn | $43,550 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Production and Processing3.6/5
- Mechanical3.6/5
- English Language3.1/5
- Mathematics2.8/5
- Education and Training2.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Word
Tools & Equipment
Air grindersAngle grindersBelt sandersBuffing wheelsCleaning scrapersDial bore gaugesDial indicatorsDigital height gauges