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Metal and Plastic Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Operator Salary, Earnings and Wage Information

  Pay Period Low Median High
  Hourly $8.75 $13.50 $21.42
  Annual $18,200 $28,100 $44,600
  • “High” indicates 90% of workers earn less and 10% earn more.
  • “Median” indicates 50% of workers earn less and 50% earn more.
  • “Low” indicates 10% of workers earn less and 90% earn more.
  • “N/A” indicates the data is not available.

Notes: The yearly wage data presented above represents U.S. workers who are employed full-time with year-round schedules.

Occupation Description
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.