Shigoto Zukan
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How to become tool grinders, filers, and sharpenerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$50,060
25th–75th pct. $40,800–$62,150
Top pay (est.)
$100,300
Top 10% $77,170
Pay in 5 years
$56,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$64,200est.
$55,200–$74,500
Outlook score
33/100
★★☆☆☆ Below average
AI replacement risk
43%
Moderate
Job growth (10 yr)
−6.8%
500 openings / yr

How to become tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners

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 Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.8
Operations Monitoring
3.6
Equipment Maintenance
3.2
Repairing
3.1
Troubleshooting
3.1
Reading Comprehension
2.9
Quality Control Analysis
2.9
Active Listening
2.9

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
5.4
Mathematics
4.7
Production and Processing
4.3
Engineering and Technology
3.9
Education and Training
3.7
English Language
3.6
Physics
3.6
Design
3.4

What the work involves

Controlling Machines and ProcessesHandling and Moving ObjectsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsProcessing InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkMaking Decisions and Solving Problems

Important abilities

Near VisionControl PrecisionFinger DexterityReaction TimeManual DexterityArm-Hand Steadiness

Training before entry

1–3 months
9%
6–12 months
8%
1–2 years
3%

Related work experience

6–12 months
35%
1–2 years
27%
None
22%
3–6 months
9%
Up to 1 month
8%

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 tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners

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.