Explore This Path

Grinding & Polishing Machine Operator

💰 Earn $39K-$60K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 Month Training

📈 -2.5% Job Growth

Perfect for hands-on individuals who enjoy working with diverse materials.
Ensure quality and efficiency in producing essential everyday products.
Operate machines that transform raw materials into polished, finished goods.

What Grinding & Polishing Machine Operators DoSet up, operate, or tend machines to crush, grind, or polish materials, such as coal, glass, grain, stone, food, or rubber.

Observe operation of equipment to ensure continuity of flow, safety, and efficient operation, and to detect malfunctions.
Examine materials, ingredients, or products, visually or with hands, to ensure conformance to established standards.
Move controls to start, stop, or adjust machinery and equipment that crushes, grinds, polishes, or blends materials.
Clean, adjust, and maintain equipment, using hand tools.
Weigh or measure materials, ingredients, or products at specified intervals to ensure conformance to requirements.

Grinding & Polishing Machine Operators Education, Salary, and Growth

Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED

Career ProspectsShaky (Decreasing by 1-5%)

Training Time6 months to 1 year

Job Openings2,700 Annually

Median Earnings

$45,950 in California

$46,890 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Only you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.

Is This Career Right For You?

YOU Like

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

you value

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

you are skilled in

Operations Monitoring
Monitoring
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Quality Control Analysis

Go Deeper: Grinding & Polishing Machine Operators Explained

Grinding & Polishing Machine OperatorExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

How Do You Train for This Career?

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

ApprenticeshipAn apprenticeship typically offers a combination of hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to practical skills, industry-specific knowledge, and the potential for long-term employment in a specific trade or profession.

🎓 Paid Work

⏱️ Finish in 2-5 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

find training near you

Find local programs, apprenticeships, or degrees to start your path.

Location

Enter your location to see training near you

What Is the Building & Distribution Industry?