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

Workers in this field focus on setting up, operating, and tending machines that shape and finish surfaces. They remove excess material, sharpen edges, and polish workpieces to meet exact specifications. Daily tasks require handling and moving objects, controlling machines, and monitoring processes to ensure everything runs smoothly. Operators must inspect equipment and materials, identify issues, and make decisions to solve problems on the shop floor.

This role is highly realistic and hands-on, requiring strong skills in operation, control, and quality control analysis. Workers need a solid understanding of production, processing, and mechanical concepts, alongside basic mathematics and engineering design. Success in this job relies on key work styles, particularly attention to detail, dependability, and cautiousness to maintain safety and precision. Operators must also communicate effectively with supervisors and peers to keep production lines running safely and efficiently.

Entering this career typically requires a high school diploma. Most workers prepare for the job through some on-the-job training or previous experience in a production environment. Students interested in this field can prepare by studying precision metal working in college or vocational programs.

While not always required, professional credentials can help workers demonstrate their skills to employers. Available certifications include the Classic Credential: Grinding II (Surface), Machining Level I - Grinding I, and Machining Level II - Cylindrical Grinding Skills, all offered by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. Other relevant credentials include Level 1 - Welding from the National Center for Construction Education and Research, as well as CNC Mill Operations and CNC Turning: Operations certifications.

The median annual pay for these machine tool setters and operators is $46,550. Earnings vary based on experience and location, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $36,110 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $62,600.

There are 67,000 people employed in this occupation. Between 2025 and 2035, employment is projected to decline by -10.8 percent. Despite this projected decrease in total jobs, about 4,500 openings are still expected to become available each year to replace workers who leave the field.