Shigoto Zukan
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How to become Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plasticeducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$46,550
25th–75th pct. $39,390–$54,290
Top pay (est.)
$81,400
Top 10% $62,600
Pay in 5 years
$52,100est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$58,400est.
$50,200–$67,800
Outlook score
26/100
★☆☆☆☆ Weak
AI replacement risk
45%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−10.8%
4,500 openings / yr

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

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.9
Operations Monitoring
3.8
Quality Control Analysis
3.4
Monitoring
2.9
Troubleshooting
2.8
Critical Thinking
2.8
Equipment Maintenance
2.8
Judgment and Decision Making
2.8

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
4.7
Production and Processing
3.8
Mathematics
3.5
Administration and Management
3.3
Engineering and Technology
3.3
English Language
3.2
Design
3.0
Computers and Electronics
3.0

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Important abilities

Control PrecisionNear VisionReaction TimeVisualizationMultilimb CoordinationStatic Strength

Training before entry

6–12 months
39%
3–6 months
19%
None / short demo
15%
1–3 months
12%
1–2 years
9%
Up to 1 month
5%

Related work experience

None
38%
1–2 years
27%
3–6 months
12%
2–4 years
10%
4–6 years
10%
6–12 months
4%

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

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

Career path and how to earn more as Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

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.