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Deburrer and grinding machine operator: pay, job outlook and how to start

Updated October 29, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$46,550median pay per year, or $22.38 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $36,110lowest 10% earn less
  2. $39,39025th percentile
  3. $46,550median
  4. $54,29075th percentile
  5. $62,600top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[3]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[4]

Grinding, lapping, polishing and buffing machine tool setters, operators and tenders for metal and plastic, a group that includes a deburrer, had a median pay of $46,550 a year in May 2025[1]. Employment is projected to fall 10.8% from 2025 to 2035[2].

Job growth, 2025–35
-10.8%[2]
Openings per year
4,500[5]
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent[6]

How much do grinding and polishing machine operators make?

The median pay was $46,550 a year, or $22.38 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. The average was $48,170 a year, or $23.16 an hour[7]. The median for all occupations was $50,980 a year[4].

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $36,110 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $62,600[3]. BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[8].

Level Annual wage Hourly wage
10th percentile[3][9] $36,110 $17.36
25th percentile[3][9] $39,390 $18.94
Median[1] $46,550 $22.38
75th percentile[3][9] $54,290 $26.10
90th percentile[3][9] $62,600 $30.10

These numbers cover wage and salary workers. They leave out the self-employed, bonuses not tied to production, and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[10].

Pay by state and city

Oregon had the highest median pay at $57,290 a year, followed by Minnesota at $51,780 and Massachusetts at $50,910[11]. New Mexico was last on the list at $38,020[11].

The states with the most jobs were California (7,800), Ohio (5,960) and Michigan (4,180)[12].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Canton-Massillon, OH had the highest median at $67,210[13]. Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI followed at $59,750, then Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA at $58,680[13]. The metro area with the most jobs was Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA, with 3,920 jobs and a median of $45,440[14].

Show median pay in 48 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Oregon[11]$57,2901,180
Minnesota$51,7801,400
Massachusetts$50,9102,420
Vermont$50,640300
West Virginia$49,950200
Washington$49,3001,870
New York$49,2902,410
Kentucky$49,160850
Connecticut$48,5901,530
Nebraska$48,500300
South Carolina$48,0401,730
North Carolina$47,7701,610
North Dakota$47,670n/a
Pennsylvania$47,6503,830
Wisconsin$47,3303,570
Indiana$47,3104,170
Maine$47,230170
Wyoming$46,80030
New Hampshire$46,580600
Iowa$46,380890
Missouri$46,2701,210
Illinois$46,1804,100
Nevada$46,140170
Colorado$46,120500
Idaho$45,980170
California$45,8907,800
Georgia$45,850940
Michigan$45,4604,180
Ohio$45,2705,960
Arizona$44,990670
Tennessee$44,7101,340
New Jersey$44,450860
Delaware$44,39050
Utah$44,320400
Rhode Island$43,650140
Maryland$43,530160
Virginia$43,170620
Kansas$42,7101,010
Mississippi$42,660430
Texas$42,2502,960
Montana$41,740160
Florida$40,3101,020
Arkansas$39,590340
South Dakota$39,060130
Louisiana$38,650160
Oklahoma$38,570870
Alabama$38,1701,500
New Mexico$38,02030

How to become a grinding or polishing machine operator

The training details here come from a BLS profile that covers a wider group of metal and plastic machine jobs[15].

Training time depends on how complex the equipment is. Some operators learn basic machine operation in a few months, while others, such as CNC tool operators, may train for up to 1 year[19]. Some schools, including community colleges, teach machine operation through courses and certificate programs[20]. Training on CAD, CAM and CNC equipment may help[21]. Certification can show skill and help with advancement[22]. O*NET places the job in Job Zone 1-2, which means very little to some preparation is needed[23].

What grinding, lapping, polishing and buffing machine operators do

O*NET describes the work as setting up, running or tending grinding and related tools that remove extra material or burrs, sharpen edges, or buff, hone or polish metal or plastic parts[24]. Common tasks include:

Workers report job titles such as deburrer, grinder operator, finisher and centerless grinder operator[26].

Where they work

Fabricated metal product manufacturing employed 25% of metal and plastic machine workers in 2025[27]. These workers often run powerful, high-speed machines that can be dangerous, so they follow safety rules. Operators usually wear gear such as safety glasses, earplugs and steel-toed boots[28]. Extra equipment varies by setting. Respirators are common in plastics work near fumes or dust[29]. The job calls for standing for long periods and doing repetitive tasks[30].

Most metal and plastic machine workers are employed full time[31]. Some work more than 40 hours a week[31]. Evening and weekend work is also common because many manufacturers run machines for long stretches[31].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment to decline 10.8% from 2025 to 2035, from about 68,500 to 61,100 jobs[2]. That is 7,400 fewer jobs[2]. For all occupations, projected growth is 3.5%[32]. BLS points to more use of CNC, automated and programmable machinery as a reason these workers will make up a smaller share of employment[33]. These projection counts include self-employed workers[2]. In 2025, 1.9% of these workers were self-employed[34].

Even so, BLS expects about 4,500 openings a year on average[5]. Openings include jobs that come up when workers retire or switch occupations, not only new jobs[5]. Each year, 3% of workers leave the labor force and 5.1% move to a different occupation[35].

The May 2025 wage survey counted about 67,000 wage and salary jobs[36].

With skill and experience, it is common for machine operators in the wider group to move into setup or machinery maintenance positions[37]. Experienced workers with good communication and analytical skills may advance to supervisor roles[38].

Is it a good fit?

The facts describe a job with a modest entry bar. A high school diploma or equivalent is typical, no related experience is expected, and training happens on the job[6]. Median pay of $46,550 is below the all-occupations median of $50,980[1][4]. Employment is projected to fall, though openings still occur each year[2][5]. Computer and mechanical skills are useful, and the work involves standing and repetitive tasks[39][40][30]. State medians ranged from $38,020 to $57,290, so local pay is worth checking[11].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[41].

Frequently asked questions

How much does a grinding machine operator make an hour?
The median was $22.38 an hour in May 2025, and the average was $23.16[1][7]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $17.36 and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $30.10[9].
What education do you need to be a deburrer or grinder operator?
BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry education, with moderate-term on-the-job training[6].
How long does it take to learn to operate grinding and polishing machines?
For the wider group of metal and plastic machine workers, some learn basic operation in a few months and others, such as CNC tool operators, may train for up to 1 year[19][15].
Is grinding and polishing machine operator work in demand?
BLS projects a 10.8% decline from 2025 to 2035, while all occupations are projected to grow 3.5%[2][32]. About 4,500 openings a year are expected[5].
What is the highest paying state for grinding and polishing machine operators?
Oregon, with a median of $57,290 a year, followed by Minnesota at $51,780 and Massachusetts at $50,910[11].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the US was $46,550 per year and $22.38 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic is projected to decline 10.8% from 2025 to 2035, from about 68,500 to 61,100 jobs (a change of -7,400). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  3. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $36,110, 25th percentile $39,390, 75th percentile $54,290, 90th percentile $62,600. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  4. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  5. BLS Employment Projections: about 4,500 openings for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  6. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: education needed for entry: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic was $48,170 per year and $23.16 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 10th percentile $17.36, 25th percentile $18.94, 75th percentile $26.10, 90th percentile $30.10. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. Median annual wage for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: California 7,800; Ohio 5,960; Michigan 4,180; Indiana 4,170; Illinois 4,100. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic (areas with at least 100 jobs): Canton-Massillon, OH $67,210; Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $59,750; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $58,680; Utica-Rome, NY $57,420; Sandusky, OH $56,670; Spartanburg, SC $55,080; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $53,930; Reading, PA $53,090. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic jobs: Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 3,920 (median $45,440); Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN 3,110 (median $46,420); Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH 1,630 (median $51,070); Cleveland, OH 1,620 (median $45,440); Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX 1,290 (median $43,280); Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 1,210 (median $46,360). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Metal and Plastic Machine Workers" covers Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  16. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. O*NET 51-4033.00: Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training. O*NET OnLine
  24. O*NET description of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
  25. O*NET task list for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic. O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET 51-4033.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Cell Operator, Centerless Grinder Operator, Deburrer, Die Maintenance Technician (Die Maintenance Tech), Finisher, Grinder, Grinder Operator, Grinding Machine Operator. O*NET OnLine
  27. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of metal and plastic machine workers in 2025: Fabricated metal product manufacturing 25%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  33. BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: Productivity change - share decreases as manufacturers are expected to use more CNC, automated, and programmable machinery to perform some functions or tasks previously done by these workers. BLS Employment Projections
  34. BLS Employment Projections: 1.9% of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  35. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic: 3% of workers leave the labor force each year and 5.1% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  36. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 67,000 people were employed as Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  37. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  38. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  39. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  40. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  41. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.