CFChooseField
Production

Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

Set up, operate, or tend machines to crush, grind, or polish materials, such as coal, glass, grain, stone, food, or rubber.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
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Median pay

$46,890
Median annual pay for Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-2.5%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

2,700
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

28,700
Estimated U.S. employment for Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-700
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Reading Comprehension
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Critical Thinking
  6. 6Writing

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Administration and Management
  2. 2Production and Processing
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Education and Training
  5. 5Public Safety and Security
  6. 6Mathematics

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Manual Dexterity
  3. 3Arm-Hand Steadiness
  4. 4Multilimb Coordination
  5. 5Near Vision
  6. 6Rate Control

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Perseverance
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  2. 2Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  3. 3Getting Information
  4. 4Controlling Machines and Processes
  5. 5Handling and Moving Objects
  6. 6Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  4. 4Freedom to Make Decisions
  5. 5Health and Safety of Other Workers
  6. 6Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

Representative tasks

  • Observe operation of equipment to ensure continuity of flow, safety, and efficient operation, and to detect malfunctions.
  • Clean, adjust, and maintain equipment, using hand tools.
  • Tend accessory equipment, such as pumps and conveyors, to move materials or ingredients through production processes.
  • Move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment that crushes, grinds, polishes, or blends materials.
  • Notify supervisors of needed repairs.
  • Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products at specified intervals to ensure conformance to requirements.
  • Record data from operations, testing, and production on specified forms.
  • Reject defective products and readjust equipment to eliminate problems.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyEmail software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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