Grinding and Polishing Worker, Hand
Impact: Direct
Grind, sand, clean, or polish objects or parts to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.
What the day looks like
- People interaction
- Minimal
- Team vs solo
- Solo-focused
- Client facing
- Never
- Impact visibility
- Low
- Travel
- None
- Schedule flexibility
- Rigid
- Remote work
- On-site Only
- Typical work hours
- 40
- Stress level
- Low
At a glance
- Median salary
- $38,940
- Entry-level
- $30,140
- Senior
- $57,990
- Growth by 2033
- -10%
- Demand
- Declining
- Freelance potential
- Low
- Salary growth potential
- Low
- Typical student debt
- $0
Skills you'll use
Hard skills
- Hand Tools
- Power Tools
- Measurement
- Quality Control
- Material Handling
Soft skills
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Listening
Technical complexity: Low
How to get there
- Minimum education
- High School Diploma or Equivalent
- Licensing
- No
- Years to mid-career
- 3
- Years to senior
- 7
- Career switching
- Moderate
Where this career leads
How people arrive here
Where you can go from here
Typical progression
- Limited advancement opportunities, often remains in similar roles or moves to related manufacturing positions.
Future outlook
- Automation probability
- High
- AI disruption risk
- Low
- Demand trend
- Declining
How people feel about it
- Overall satisfaction
- 3.5/10
- Meaning
- 3/10
- Work-life balance
- 3.5/10
- Prestige
- 3.5/10
- Social perception
- Moderate