CNC Machinist
Set up and run computer-controlled machines that cut precision metal parts.
- $58,750
- 6–24 months
Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career
Grinding Machine Operator
Also called: Grinder Operator · Surface Grinder · Polishing Machine Operator · Lapping Machine Operator
What grinding machine operators do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a grinding machine operator do?
Grinding, lapping, polishing and buffing machine tool setters, operators and tenders, metal and plastic, set up, operate or tend machines to grind or polish metal or plastic work pieces. The median pay is $46,550 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about A few months on the job, and employment is projected to grow -10.8% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$46,550$22.38/hour · May 2025
- Job growth-10.8%2025–35, a projected decline
- Openings per year4,500Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to trainA few months on the jobTypical program length
- U.S. jobs68,500Employment, 2025
What grinding machine operators do
Grinding machine operators finish parts to tight tolerances. They set up surface, cylindrical and centerless grinders, dress grinding wheels, run parts, measure to tenths of a thousandth and polish surfaces.
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical. BLS projects decline.
Typical duties
- Set up grinders
- Dress wheels
- Load parts
- Grind to size
- Measure parts
- Polish surfaces
- Maintain machines
Work environment and schedule
Operators work in machine shops and plants.
Schedule: Full time, often shifts.
A day in the life
- Check the job.
- Dress the wheel.
- Grind first part.
- Measure with a micrometer.
See a full day in the life of a grinding machine operator →
Grinding Machine Operator salary
Half of grinding machine operators earned more than $46,550 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $36,110 for the lowest 10% to $62,600 for the top 10%.
Full grinding machine operator pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a grinding machine operator
- Finish high school
- Take machining classes
- Get hired
- Learn grinding
- Advance
A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a grinding machine operator →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Grinder setup
- Wheel dressing
- Precision measurement
- Surface finish
- Blueprint reading
People skills
- Patience
- Precision
- Focus
- Reliability
All grinding machine operator skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Precision skill
- No degree needed
- Steady shop work
- Path to machinist
Cons
- Declining employment
- Grinding dust
- Noise
- Repetitive
Certifications and licenses
- NIMS Grinding: Credential.
- Machining certificate: Community college.
- OSHA 10: Safety.
- Wheel safety training: Required.
Career path
- Operator: Entry.
- Precision Grinder: Tight tolerance.
- Machinist: Machining.
- Lead: Lead.
Learn the job before day one
Our Grinding Machine Operator training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as ring test a grinding wheel and dress a grinding wheel, safety and how to land your first job.
Related careers
Tool Grinder
Sharpen and recondition cutting tools, drills, saws and knives.
- $50,060
- A few months on the job
Hand Grinder
Grind, sand and polish parts by hand to remove defects and finish surfaces.
- $42,660
- A few months on the job
Lathe Operator
Turn metal on a lathe to make shafts, bushings and round parts.
- $50,620
- A few months on the job
Compare: Grinding Machine Operator vs. CNC Machinist · Grinding Machine Operator vs. Tool Grinder · Grinding Machine Operator vs. Hand Grinder · Grinding Machine Operator vs. Lathe Operator
Grinding Machine Operator FAQ
Do I need a degree?
No.
Is the job declining?
BLS projects decline.
Is precision important?
Very.
How much does a grinding machine operator make?
The median annual wage for grinding machine operators was $46,550 ($22.38 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $36,110 and the highest 10% earned more than $62,600.
How long does it take to become a grinding machine operator?
Most people need about A few months on the job of training. A high school diploma and moderate on-the-job training are typical.
Do you need a degree to be a grinding machine operator?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More grinding machine operator questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 51-4033 (Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.