Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand: $42,660 Median Salary, -21% Job Decline Ahead
Grinding and polishing workers, hand operate power tools to smooth, sharpen, and finish metal, stone, wood, or other materials. In 2024, the median annual salary for these workers was $42,660, with the middle half earning between $33,480 and $60,810, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean hourly wage is about $21.
The occupation is small — only 10,510 workers nationwide — and shrinking. If you're considering this path, the pay is modest, the work is physical, and the outlook is sharply negative.
How much Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand earn
The median salary for hand grinding and polishing workers is $42,660 a year, meaning half earn more and half earn less. The lowest-paid 10% make below $33,480, while the highest-paid 10% earn above $60,810. New hires typically start near the bottom of that range, but with experience and specialization you can move up.
- Median annual salary: $42,660
- Mean hourly wage: $21.65
- 10th percentile: $33,480
- 90th percentile: $60,810
Pay by state
Where you work strongly affects your pay. Vermont is the highest-paying state, with an average annual wage of $56,850. Minnesota ($51,930), Rhode Island ($51,630), Montana ($50,460), and Virginia ($48,830) are also top earners. On the other end, Tennessee ($33,830), Louisiana ($33,160), and New Mexico ($28,640) pay well below the national median. If you're mobile, moving to a high-wage state — especially in the Northeast or Upper Midwest — can boost your income 30% or more.
How to become Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand
Most grinding and polishing workers learn on the job. A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry requirement. No formal postsecondary education is necessary, but vocational training in metalworking or machine operation can make you more competitive. On-the-job training usually lasts a few months, during which you learn to select the right abrasive wheels, set speeds, and inspect finished surfaces. Some workers start as helpers or laborers and move up. Certification isn't required, but earning a credential from the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) in grinding skills can signal competence and improve advancement prospects.
- Get a high school diploma or GED.
- Apply for entry-level helper or trainee positions.
- Complete several months of on-the-job training.
- Consider NIMS certification for a career edge.
Job outlook
Employment of grinding and polishing workers, hand is projected to shrink 21.2% from 2024 to 2034, a much faster decline than most occupations. That means about 2,200 jobs disappearing over the decade. Automation and computer-controlled machinery are steadily replacing manual finishing work. Still, about 800 job openings are expected each year, mostly due to workers retiring or leaving the field. Competition will be strong, and the best prospects may be in specialized shops that handle custom or low-volume work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hourly rate for grinding and polishing workers, hand?
The mean hourly wage is $21.65, according to BLS data. Experienced workers in high-paying states can earn $25 or more per hour.
What education do I need to become a hand grinding and polishing worker?
A high school diploma is typically sufficient. Most training happens on the job over a few months. Vocational courses in machining can help but aren't required.
Is the job outlook for this career good?
No. The BLS projects a 21.2% decline in employment from 2024 to 2034, much worse than the average for all occupations. Automation is a major factor.
Which states pay the highest for hand grinding and polishing?
Vermont pays the highest average at $56,850, followed by Minnesota ($51,930), Rhode Island ($51,630), Montana ($50,460), and Virginia ($48,830).
How many grinding and polishing workers are employed in the U.S.?
The BLS reports 10,510 workers in this occupation as of 2024.
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 Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand data.