Description

Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.

Interests

Realistic
Conventional

Learn More about Interests

Work Values

Support
Independence
Working Conditions

Learn More about Work Values

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
Dependability
Independence
Adaptability/Flexibility
Cooperation

Learn More about Work Styles

Tasks

Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.

Work Activities

Controlling Machines and Processes
Getting Information
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Handling and Moving Objects
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Detailed Work Activities

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Technology Skills

Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
Spreadsheet software
Electronic mail software
Computer aided design CAD and computer aided manufacturing CAM system
Data base user interface and query software

Abilities

Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control Precision
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Near Vision

Skills

Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Quality Control Analysis
Equipment Maintenance
Repairing

Knowledge

Mechanical
Mathematics
English Language

Most Common Education Level

The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.

Certificates

These are the certification(s) applicable to Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners:

This information is currently unavailable.

Income Percentile

The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.

Income Percentile	Annual Income
Low (10%)	$37,952
Median (50%)	$44,806
High (90%)	$52,506

Income by Experience

This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).

Experience	Income
Entry Level	$42,693
Mid Level	$50,493
Senior Level	N/A
Expert Level	N/A

Employability

There are currently 6,800 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 6,300 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -8%.

The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.

Projected Job Growth of -8%

Related Careers

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Median Annual Income

$39,901

Projected Job Growth

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Career Cluster(s)

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Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

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Median Annual Income

$43,709

Projected Job Growth

-18 %

Career Cluster(s)

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No formal educational credential

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Projected Job Growth

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Career Cluster(s)

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High school diploma or equivalent

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RealisticConventional

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Projected Job Growth

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Career Cluster(s)

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High school diploma or equivalent

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RealisticConventional

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Career Cluster(s)

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High school diploma or equivalent

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RealisticConventional

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Career Cluster(s)

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High school diploma or equivalent

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RealisticConventional

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Career Cluster(s)

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High school diploma or equivalent

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Projected Job Growth

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Career Cluster(s)

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Most Common Education Level

Postsecondary certificate

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RealisticConventional

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Median Annual Income

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Projected Job Growth

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Career Cluster(s)

Advanced Manufacturing

Most Common Education Level

High school diploma or equivalent

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The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.