CFChooseField
Production

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
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Median pay

$41,690
Median annual pay for Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-21.2%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

800
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

11,800
Estimated U.S. employment for Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-2,500
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

No formal educational credential
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

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Essential skills

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

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3English Language
  4. 4Mathematics
  5. 5Education and Training
  6. 6Customer and Personal Service

Abilities

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

Career interests

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

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Perseverance
  5. 5Achievement Orientation
  6. 6Integrity

Work activities

  1. 1Performing General Physical Activities
  2. 2Handling and Moving Objects
  3. 3Controlling Machines and Processes
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Thinking Creatively
  6. 6Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Work context

  1. 1Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  2. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  4. 4Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  5. 5Exposed to Contaminants
  6. 6Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Load and adjust workpieces onto equipment or work tables, using hand tools.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technology

Sources

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

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