Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace grinding and polishing workers, hand?AI replacement risk 28% and how the work is changing

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$42,660
25th–75th pct. $37,450–$49,980
Top pay (est.)
$79,100
Top 10% $60,810
Pay in 5 years
$47,900est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$53,900est.
$46,300–$62,600
Outlook score
26/100
★☆☆☆☆ Weak
AI replacement risk
28%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
−19.2%
700 openings / yr

Will AI replace Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand? AI replacement risk

28%
Low
Ranked #229 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand

Key skills

Operations Monitoring
3.2
Operation and Control
3.0
Quality Control Analysis
3.0
Troubleshooting
2.9
Equipment Maintenance
2.9
Active Listening
2.8
Monitoring
2.8
Repairing
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.1
Production and Processing
3.7
English Language
2.6
Customer and Personal Service
2.4
Mathematics
2.4
Education and Training
2.3
Administration and Management
1.9
Building and Construction
1.5

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesThinking CreativelyPerforming General Physical ActivitiesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Important abilities

Near VisionArm-Hand SteadinessFinger DexterityControl PrecisionManual DexterityOral Comprehension

Education of workers

High school diploma
37%
Less than high school
27%
Some college
12%

Training before entry

Up to 1 month
30%
3–6 months
15%
1–3 months
14%

Related work experience

None
39%
1–2 years
24%
3–6 months
13%
2–4 years
12%
6–12 months
12%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.