Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters: 2025 Salary & Career Outlook
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn a median salary of $48,540 per year. That's about $23 an hour. The typical range runs from $36,520 at the 10th percentile to $69,240 at the 90th. These figures come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. About 26,000 people work in this occupation nationwide.
How much Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders earn
The median wage is $48,540. The mean annual wage is slightly higher at $51,380. Most workers earn hourly wages; the mean hourly rate is $24.70. Pay varies based on industry, experience, and location. The bottom 10% earn under $36,520, but the top 10% make over $69,240.
Industries with the highest pay include mining (especially coal and metal ore), where wages often surpass $60,000. Manufacturing sectors like fabricated metal product and machinery manufacturing also offer above-median pay. Entry-level positions typically start closer to the $36,000 range.
Pay by state
Wyoming is the highest-paying state at $71,300 on average, followed by Alaska ($68,730), Iowa ($62,590), Nevada ($60,180), and Montana ($60,110). These states often have mining or heavy manufacturing that pushes wages up. The lowest-paying states are Arkansas ($38,910), Oklahoma ($38,380), and Mississippi ($37,420). Cost of living partly explains the gaps, but geography clearly matters for earnings.
How to become Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setter, Operator, or Tender
You typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Most training happens on the job. New hires learn from experienced operators for a few months to a year. Some community colleges offer short certificate programs in machine operation or industrial maintenance, which can help you get hired. No license or certification is legally required, but employers often prefer candidates with basic mechanical skills and the ability to read blueprints or follow instructions. Physical stamina and attention to safety are important.
Job outlook
The BLS projects a 2.5% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034. That means about 2,700 openings per year, mostly from workers retiring or leaving the occupation. Demand is tied to mining and manufacturing activity; automation may reduce the need for some operators. Still, steady turnover means new workers can find jobs, especially in high-paying states and the Midwest.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setter a good career?
It offers a median salary around $48,540 with opportunities in higher-paying states like Wyoming. The job requires high school education and on-the-job training. Employment is declining slightly, but about 2,700 openings per year still exist.
What skills do you need to be a Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setter?
Mechanical aptitude, ability to follow safety procedures, basic math for measurements, and physical stamina for standing or lifting. Employers value experience with machinery and reading blueprints.
What states pay the most for this job?
Wyoming ($71,300), Alaska ($68,730), Iowa ($62,590), Nevada ($60,180), and Montana ($60,110) have the highest average salaries.
What is the job growth for this occupation?
The BLS projects a 2.5% decline from 2024 to 2034, resulting in about 2,700 openings per year due to retirements and turnover.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders data.