Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners are responsible for setting up, operating, or tend grinding and related tools that remove excess material or burrs from surfaces, sharpen edges or corners, or buff, hone, or polish metal or plastic workpieces. They typically work with a variety of tools and machines to ensure precision and quality in the sharpening and maintenance of cutting tools such as drills, cutters, and blades. This role requires attention to detail, manual dexterity, and knowledge of different types of materials and their properties.
This income data is sourced from the May 2023 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The dataset is updated annually.
Annual Pay Distribution | Salary |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $39,040.00 |
25th percentile | $39,600.00 |
median (50th percentile) | $56,480.00 |
75th percentile | $85,080.00 |
90th percentile | $92,730.00 |
Hourly Pay Distribution | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
10th percentile | $18.77 |
25th percentile | $19.04 |
median (50th percentile) | $27.15 |
75th percentile | $40.90 |
90th percentile | $44.58 |
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent for entry-level positions. However, some employers may prefer candidates with postsecondary education in machining or related fields. On-the-job training is common for this role, where individuals learn how to operate machinery, perform precision measurements, interpret blueprints, and use various tools for grinding, filing, and sharpening operations. While formal education beyond high school is not always mandatory, having a technical certificate or associate degree in machining can enhance job prospects and provide a deeper understanding of the concepts and techniques involved in tool grinding, filing, and sharpening.