Production
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Also called: Crankshaft Grinder, Cutter Grind Tool Technician (Cutter Grind Tool Tech), Cutter Grinder, Grinder
US median pay
$50,060
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-6.8%
declining
Openings a year (US)
500
5,800 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Perform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
What they do day to day
- Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
- Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
- Set up and operate grinding or polishing machines to grind metal workpieces, such as dies, parts, and tools.
- Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
- Perform basic maintenance, such as cleaning and lubricating machine parts.
- Remove finished workpieces from machines and place them in boxes or on racks, setting aside pieces that are defective.
- Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
- Dress grinding wheels, according to specifications.
- Remove and replace worn or broken machine parts, using hand tools.
- Fit parts together in pre-assembly to ensure that dimensions are accurate.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Operation and Control3.9/5
- Operations Monitoring3.6/5
- Troubleshooting3.1/5
- Repairing3.1/5
- Equipment Maintenance3.1/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.0/5
- Equipment Selection3.0/5
- Time Management2.9/5
Knowledge
- Mathematics4.0/5
- Mechanical3.8/5
- Production and Processing3.6/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Engineering and Technology3.2/5
- Education and Training3.0/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): High school diploma or equivalent.
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.