Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand

Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.

What you'd actually do

• Verify quality of finished workpieces by inspecting them, comparing them to templates, measuring their dimensions, or testing them in working machinery.
• Grind, sand, clean, or polish objects or parts to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools.
• Measure and mark equipment, objects, or parts to ensure grinding and polishing standards are met.
• Trim, scrape, or deburr objects or parts, using chisels, scrapers, and other hand tools and equipment.
• Mark defects, such as knotholes, cracks, and splits, for repair.
• Study blueprints or layouts to determine how to lay out workpieces or saw out templates.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Less than high school. Overall preparation: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

The feel of the work

Much of the work happens outdoors; much of the day is spent working solo. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 0% of grinding and polishing workers, hand are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Tool and Die Makers
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers
• Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
• Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
• Food Batchmakers

Quick questions

How much does a grinding and polishing workers, hand make?

The median pay is $20.51 per hour — roughly $42,500 a year, with the real range running from about $16.09/hr (10th percentile) to $29.23/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a grinding and polishing workers, hand?

The typical entry-level education is: Less than high school. Overall preparation level: some preparation (Job Zone 2 of 5).

What does a grinding and polishing workers, hand actually do all day?

Verify quality of finished workpieces by inspecting them, comparing them to templates, measuring their dimensions, or testing them in working machinery. Grind, sand, clean, or polish objects or parts to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools. Measure and mark equipment, objects, or parts to ensure grinding and polishing standards are met.