Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Operators

Operate grinding tools that remove extra material from surfaces, or polish metal or plastic work pieces.

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Operators set up, operate, or tend grinding and related tools. These tools remove excess materials from metal or plastic work pieces. They may sharpen edges or corners, or buff or polish pieces.

Wages	$22.12 per hour on average
Demand	High Demand
Outlook	The outlook is Poor
Education & Training	High School or less is typically required.
Related Programs (Current training programs available)	Machine Shop Technology/Assistant Sheet Metal Technology/Sheetworking
On the Job	Work Activities Lift materials or workpieces using cranes or other lifting equipment. Operate cutting equipment. Operate grinding equipment. Adjust equipment controls to regulate coolant flow. Feed materials or products into or through equipment. Lay out parts to prepare for assembly. Mount attachments or tools onto production equipment. Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment. Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications. Set equipment guides, stops, spacers, or other fixtures.
Career Pathways	Production
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This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.