CFChooseField
Production

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

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
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Median pay

$45,190
Median annual pay for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

-12%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

5,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

70,100
Estimated U.S. employment for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

-8,400
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. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Listening
  6. 6Mathematics

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Production and Processing
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Administration and Management
  4. 4Mechanical
  5. 5English Language
  6. 6Computers and Electronics

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Manual Dexterity
  3. 3Near Vision
  4. 4Problem Sensitivity
  5. 5Reaction Time
  6. 6Arm-Hand Steadiness

Career interests

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

Work styles

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

Work activities

  1. 1Controlling Machines and Processes
  2. 2Handling and Moving Objects
  3. 3Documenting/Recording Information
  4. 4Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  5. 5Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  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. 2Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  3. 3Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  4. 4Time Pressure
  5. 5Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  6. 6Spend Time Standing

Representative tasks

  • Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
  • Measure workpieces and lay out work, using precision measuring devices.
  • Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
  • Move machine controls to index workpieces, and to adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
  • Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
  • Select machine tooling to be used, using knowledge of machine and production requirements.
  • Mount and position tools in machine chucks, spindles, or other tool holding devices, using hand tools.
  • Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.

Software and tools

Autodesk AutoCAD · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyManufacturing reporting systemMazak Mazatrol SMART CNC

Sources

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

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