Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

SOC code 51-4033 · O*NET-SOC 51-4033.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Manufacturing and production

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$46,550

a year

Hourly

$22.38

per hour

10th$36,110Median$46,55090th$62,600

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$48,170

$23.16 per hour

Middle 50%

$39,390 – $54,290

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$36,110 – $62,600

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

67,000

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $36,110; $17.36/hr
25th percentile: $39,390; $18.94/hr
Median percentile: $46,550; $22.38/hr
75th percentile: $54,290; $26.10/hr
90th percentile: $62,600; $30.10/hr

What do 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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
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.
Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
Maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools.

How to qualify for this work

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.

See all zone 2 occupations →

The federal survey did not capture education levels for this specific occupation, so the preparation-level card above is the best guide to the entry route.

Common questions

How much does a grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earn?

The national median is $46,550 a year. The full range runs from $36,110 at the 10th percentile to $62,600 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, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic 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

Reading Comprehension3.0/5
Critical Thinking2.9/5
Monitoring2.9/5
Active Listening2.8/5

Knowledge areas

Production and Processing3.7/5
Mechanical3.6/5
Mathematics3.1/5
Engineering and Technology3.0/5
Administration and Management3.0/5
English Language2.8/5
Education and Training2.8/5
Design2.7/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Quality Control Analysis, Judgment and Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, Troubleshooting.