Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
SOC code 51-9022 · O*NET-SOC 51-9022.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production
Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$42,660
a year
Hourly
$20.51
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$45,020
$21.64 per hour
Middle 50%
$37,450 – $49,980
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$33,480 – $60,810
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
10,510
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $33,480
- $16.09/hr
- 25th percentile
- $37,450
- $18.00/hr
- Median percentile
- $42,660
- $20.51/hr
- 75th percentile
- $49,980
- $24.03/hr
- 90th percentile
- $60,810
- $29.23/hr
What do 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.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- 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.
- Remove completed workpieces from equipment or work tables, using hand tools, and place workpieces in containers.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 37% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Education reported by people doing this job
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)37%
- Less than a High School Diploma27%
- Post-Secondary Certificate24%
- Some College Courses12%
Common questions
How much does a grinding and polishing workers, hand earn?
The national median is $42,660 a year. The full range runs from $33,480 at the 10th percentile to $60,810 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become a grinding and polishing workers, hand without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Active Listening2.9/5
- Speaking2.9/5
- Critical Thinking2.9/5
- Reading Comprehension2.8/5
Knowledge areas
- Production and Processing3.6/5
- Mechanical3.6/5
- English Language3.1/5
- Mathematics2.8/5
- Education and Training2.7/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.6/5
Transferable strengths: Quality Control Analysis, Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Equipment Maintenance, Repairing, Troubleshooting.