Salary, Job Description, How To Become One, and Quiz
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Grinding, Lapping, Polishing And Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing And Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic set up, operate, 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 work pieces.
Table of contents
What they do
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing And Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic set up, operate, 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 work pieces.
- Inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers.
- Measure workpieces and layout work, using precision measuring devices.
- Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
- Move machine controls to index workpieces, and adjust machines for pre-selected operational settings.
Typical day
On a daily basis, CNC Grinders inspect or measure finished workpieces to determine conformance to specifications, using measuring instruments, such as gauges or micrometers. They brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles, and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.
A typical day for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing and Buffing Machine Tool Setter, Operator and Tender, Metal and Plastic will also include:
- Study blueprints, work orders, or machining instructions to determine product specifications, tool requirements, and operational sequences.
- Set up, operate, 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.
- Observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
- Lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
- Activate machine start-up switches to grind, lap, hone, debar, shear, or cut workpieces, according to specifications.
Other responsibilities
Besides their typical day, CNC Grinders also repair or replace machine parts, using hand tools, or notify engineering personnel when corrective action is required. They may also maintain stocks of machine parts and machining tools.
On a weekly to monthly basis, CNC Grinders slide spacers between buffs on spindles to set spacing. They might also brush or spray lubricating compounds on workpieces, or turn valve handles and direct flow of coolant against tools and workpieces.
In addition, they lift and position workpieces, manually or with hoists, and secure them in hoppers or on machine tables, faceplates, or chucks, using clamps.
Although specific duties may vary, many of them thread and hand-feed materials through machine cutters or abraders.
To some CNC Grinders, it is also their responsibility to observe machine operations to detect any problems, making necessary adjustments to correct problems.
What is the job like
Job satisfaction
Is this job meaningful
61% said they were satisfied with their job and 46% said they found their job meaningful.
Pros
Suitable for people who like practical and hands-on work.
Suitable for people who want to work in a supportive work environment.
This career is perfect for people who love to work indoors.
It is easy to get into this career. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for this career.
Cons
Not suitable for people who like to help and teach others.
One of the lowest paying jobs.
Demand for this career is declining.
How much do they make
Average salary
Average hourly wage
Entry-level Grinding, Lapping, Polishing And Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic with little to no experience can expect to make anywhere between $26,580 to $30,310 per year or $13 to $15 per hour.
| Salary by experience | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Highest (Top 10%) | $54,790 | $26 |
| Senior (Top 25%) | $45,820 | $22 |
| Median | $36,880 | $18 |
| Junior (Bottom 25%) | $30,310 | $15 |
| No experience (Bottom 10%) | $26,580 | $13 |
This table shows the top 10 highest paying industries for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing And Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic based on their average annual salary.
| Salary by industry | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance | $47060 | $22.63 |
| Steel Product Manufacturing from Purchased Steel | $44340 | $21.32 |
| Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | $44050 | $21.18 |
| Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing | $43770 | $21.04 |
| Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing | $43740 | $21.03 |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | $43240 | $20.79 |
| Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | $42820 | $20.59 |
| Alumina and Aluminum Production and Processing | $42580 | $20.47 |
| Support Activities for Air Transportation | $42480 | $20.42 |
| Nonferrous Metal Production and Processing | $41740 | $20.07 |
View more salary by industries here.
Where can they work
Where can Grinding, Lapping, Polishing And Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic work? Here is a table showing the top 10 largest employers of Grinding, Lapping, Polishing And Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators And Tenders, Metal And Plastic including the average salary in that industry.
| Employers | Total Employed | Annual Salary | Hourly Wages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 9580 | $39510 | $19.00 |
| Foundries | 8280 | $37840 | $18.19 |
| Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing | 7150 | $38180 | $18.35 |
| Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing | 5430 | $39220 | $18.86 |
| Coating, Engraving, Heat Treating, and Allied Activities | 4800 | $37450 | $18.01 |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | 3850 | $43240 | $20.79 |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 3770 | $35830 | $17.22 |
| Machinery Manufacturing | 3420 | $39900 | $19.18 |
| Plastics Product Manufacturing | 2940 | $35580 | $17.11 |
| Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing | 2510 | $40400 | $19.42 |
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What is the work day like
Working hours
Working schedule
How often do you use email in this job?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Group discussions
How often do you have group discussions in this job?
Public speaking
How often does this job require you to do public speaking?
Level of competition
How much competitive pressure is in this job?
What is the work environment like
Office-style environment
Indoors in an environmentally controlled condition
Warehouse-style environment
Indoors in a non-controlled environmental condition such as a warehouse
Outdoors
Outdoors exposed to all weather conditions
Outdoors – Under Cover
Outdoors but under cover (e.g. structure with roof but no walls)
How to become one
Difficulty to become one
Required level of education
What level of education do you need to perform the job?
Relevant majors
Machine Tool Technology/Machinist
Machine Shop Technology/Assistant
Relevant work experience
How much related work experience do you need to get hired for the job?
On The Job Training
How much on the job training do you need to perform the job?
Should you become one
Best personality type for this career
People with this personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Builder personality type likes practical and hands-on work. They prefer working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
People with The Thinker personality likes to work with ideas that require an extensive amount of thinking. They prefer work that requires them to solve problems mentally.
People with The Artist personality likes to work with designs and patterns. They prefer activities that require self-expression and prefer work that can be done without following a clear set of rules.
People with The Helper personality type likes to work with people and in teams. They prefer work that allows them to build relationships with others.
People with The Leader personality likes to start and work on projects. They also like leading people and making many decisions.
People with The Organizer personality type likes to follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and details more than with ideas.
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tend to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
They also like following set procedures and routines. They like working with data and details more than with ideas.
Take this quiz to see if this is the right career for you.
Work Values
Which values are the most important to a person’s satisfaction for this job?
You are someone who is results oriented. You prefer work that allows you to utilize your skills and abilities while at the same time giving you a sense of accomplishment.
You are someone who values job security, steady employment, and good working conditions. You also prefer work that keeps you busy all the time with something different to do every day.
You are someone who values job advancement and leadership roles. You prefer work that receives recognition for the work you do and jobs that are looked up to by others in the company and your community.
You are someone who likes to provide a service to others. You prefer a work environment where you can work with your co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment.
You are someone who values a company that stands behind their employees. You prefer a work environment where everyone is treated fairly and is being supported by the company.
You are someone who likes to work on your own and make your own decisions. You prefer work that requires little supervision and are allowed to try out your own ideas.
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