Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary

Q: Which state pays grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics the most?

The highest paying state for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics is Oregon at $57,290 median salary.

Q: What interview questions are asked for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic roles?

Common grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic interview questions include: "Walk me through a setup you did on a cylindrical grinder for a tight-tolerance aerospace part.", "Describe how you'd diagnose a surface finish rejection on a cylindrical grinder.", "Describe a difficult part or process improvement you owned as a Sr Setup Operator.". Interview format at top employers ranges from behavioral panels (STAR method) to technical case rounds — for example Boeing + Spirit AeroSystems + Lockheed Martin + Northrop Grumman + Textron Aviation + Sikorsky (aerospace OEMs and integrators) typically uses 3-4 rounds over 3-6 weeks.

Q: What is the career ladder for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics?

The typical grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic career ladder: Grinder Operator / Tender (0-2 yrs, $32-42k + shift differential ($1-4/hr 2nd shift, $2-5/hr 3rd shift) + healthcare + 401(k) match at aerospace / medical device shops; commercial job-shop $28-38k + limited benefits) → Setup + Operator (2-6 yrs, $42-58k + shift differential + healthcare + 401(k) match at aerospace / medical device shops; commercial job-shop $38-52k + limited benefits) → Sr Setup Operator / Lead / CNC Grinder Programmer (5-10 yrs, $55-75k + shift differential + healthcare + 401(k) match at aerospace / medical device shops; commercial job-shop $50-68k + limited benefits) → Manufacturing Engineer (Grinding) / Cell Lead / Grinding Supervisor (8-15 yrs, $75-115k + healthcare + 401(k) match at aerospace / medical device shops; commercial $70-95k).

Q: What certifications should grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics get?

Top-ROI certifications for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics: NIMS Machining Level I Measurement, Materials, and Safety + Level II Grinding (Surface + Cylindrical + CNC Grinding + Grinding Skills) + Level III (Master) ($150-350 per certification (self-paid) or employer-sponsored; competency-based written + hands-on performance testing); AS9100 Rev D / Nadcap awareness training + AS9102 first-article inspection training ($300-1,200 employer-paid or self-paid via ASQ, PRI (Performance Review Institute), SAE); ISO 13485 (Medical Devices) + FDA 21 CFR Part 820 (Quality System Regulation) awareness ($300-1,500 employer-paid or self-paid via ASQ, RAPS (Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society), AAMI).

The median grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in the United States is $46,550 per year ($22.38/hour). Salaries range from $36,110 at the entry level to $62,600+ for the top 10% of earners. There are 67,000 grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic jobs nationwide. Employment is projected to decline 12% through 2034.

Last updated: June 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median Salary

$46,550

per year

Hourly Rate

$22.38

per hour

Employment

67,000

jobs in the U.S.

Salary Distribution

10th percentile

$36,110

25th percentile

$39,390

Median

$46,550

75th percentile

$54,290

90th percentile

$62,600

Job Growth (2024-2034)

-12%

Decline

Annual Openings

5,500

jobs/year (growth + replacements)

Education Required

High school diploma or equivalent

Training Needed

Moderate-term on-the-job training

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Career Guide

Interview questions, resume templates, and a career ladder written specifically for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics.

Grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine operators (BLS SOC 51-4033) run the precision-finishing machines that produce the tight-tolerance surface finishes and dimensional accuracy required for aerospace bearings, medical implants, automotive powertrain, hydraulic components, cutting tools, molds and dies, and precision optics. Typical seats: Setup + Operator on cylindrical grinders (Studer, Toyoda, Okuma, Danobat), surface grinders (Okamoto, Chevalier, Kent), centerless grinders (Cincinnati, Landis, Mikron), tool-and-cutter grinders (ANCA, Walter Helitronic, Rollomatic, Deckel), and internal / OD / ID grinders — plus lapping / polishing operations (Speedfam, Peter Wolters, Lapmaster), superfinishing (Supfina), buffing / vibratory finishing (Rösler, Sweco). Employers: aerospace OEMs and their tier-1 suppliers (Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, RTX/Pratt & Whitney, GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, Honeywell Aerospace, Spirit AeroSystems); medical device manufacturers (Medtronic, Stryker, Zimmer Biomet, DePuy Synthes/J&J, Smith+Nephew, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences); automotive powertrain suppliers (Bosch, ZF, Denso, Magna, BorgWarner, Aisin, Schaeffler); precision-manufacturing job shops. BLS reports 67,000 employed with a median of $46,550, p10 $32,690, p90 $67,850+. Entry Grinder Operator I / Tender $32-42k; Setup + Operator $42-58k; Sr Setup Operator / Lead $55-72k; CNC Grinder Programmer / Cell Lead $65-88k+; Sr CNC Grinder Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer track $85-115k+. The single biggest earnings lever is completing NIMS Machining Level II (Grinding) + moving from a low-mix job shop into an aerospace or medical device manufacturer with AS9100 or ISO 13485 certification — aerospace / medical device grinder operator seats pay 25-45% above equivalent commercial job-shop seats + full benefits.

Core Skills Hiring Managers Screen For

Reading engineering drawings + GD&T (ASME Y14.5) + surface finish callouts (ASME B46.1)

Read engineering drawings with datums, feature control frames, tolerance zones, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing per ASME Y14.5-2018 (or the 2009 revision at legacy shops). Surface finish callouts per ASME B46.1 — Ra (arithmetic average roughness), Rz (mean roughness depth), Rmax, Rt, plus lay direction. Aerospace and medical device parts routinely call out Ra 4-16 microinches (0.1-0.4 μm) on ground surfaces; internal cylindrical features may require Ra 2-4 microinches with lapping or superfinishing. Reading drawings is the single skill that separates a Tender from a Setup Operator — a Tender loads parts and runs the cycle; a Setup Operator interprets the drawing and sets the machine to meet the drawing.

Grinding wheel selection + dressing + truing (abrasive, grit, grade, structure, bond)

Wheel selection by material and operation — aluminum oxide (A) for carbon and alloy steel, silicon carbide (SC) for cast iron and non-ferrous, CBN (cubic boron nitride) for hardened tool steels HRC 55+, diamond for carbide and ceramic. Grit size 46-400 depending on finish requirement; grade (H-M-N-O softer to harder bond); structure (open to dense); bond (V vitrified, B resinoid, M metal, R rubber). Dressing with single-point diamond, rotary diamond dresser, or diamond form roll; truing to concentricity. Wheel selection wrong for the material / operation is the #1 root cause of scrap and surface finish rejection in grinding operations.

CNC grinder programming (Fanuc, Siemens, Studer StuderWIN, ANCA ToolRoom / iGrind, Walter Helitronic Tool Studio)

CNC grinder G-code and machine-specific programming environments — Fanuc 0i-M / 30i grinder controls, Siemens 828D / 840D SL, Studer StuderWIN and StuderTechnology, ANCA ToolRoom and iGrind for tool-and-cutter grinders, Walter Helitronic Tool Studio, Rollomatic AlphaGrind, Junker Grinder programming. Program structure — wheel dressing cycles, roughing/finishing infeed, sparkout dwell, wheel wear compensation, in-process gauging integration. Sr Setup Operators own the program library and the process parameter database for each part number and each wheel.

In-process gauging + post-process inspection (Marposs, Renishaw, Zeiss, Mitutoyo)

In-process gauging on CNC grinders — Marposs P1S / P7 heads for OD / ID measurement during grinding; Renishaw NC4 non-contact wheel dressing and part measurement; automatic size-control feedback closes the loop on wheel wear and thermal drift. Post-process inspection with CMM (Zeiss CONTURA, Zeiss PRISMO, Mitutoyo CRYSTA-Apex), roundness / cylindricity checks (Taylor Hobson Talyrond, Mahr MarForm), surface finish (Mahr MarSurf, Mitutoyo Surftest, Taylor Hobson Form Talysurf), and hardness testing. Aerospace and medical device operators are expected to be fluent in both — the machine gauge tells you the current-run condition, the CMM confirms the acceptance criterion.

SPC (Statistical Process Control) + control charts + Cp/Cpk analysis

SPC per ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 sampling + AIAG SPC reference manual — X-bar and R charts for variable data, p and np charts for attribute data. Cp / Cpk process capability targets — automotive PPAP typically requires Cpk >= 1.33 for KPCs (Key Product Characteristics) and Cpk >= 1.67 for SPCs (Safety Critical Characteristics); aerospace and medical device targets are similar or tighter. Trend detection — Nelson rules, Western Electric rules; ability to identify a machine drift before it produces scrap. SPC software: Minitab, InfinityQS, DataMyte, or in-house solutions on top of Mitutoyo MeasurLink / Zeiss PiWeb.

Grinding fluid / coolant management (mineral oil, synthetic, semi-synthetic, straight oil)

Coolant selection by operation — synthetic emulsion for high-speed OD grinding, semi-synthetic for general-purpose, straight oil for creep-feed grinding and superfinishing, water-soluble for cost-sensitive commercial work. Coolant concentration monitoring with refractometer; pH monitoring (target 8.8-9.4 for most emulsions); tramp oil removal with skimmers or centrifuges. Coolant management directly affects surface finish, wheel life, and burn / thermal damage risk on hardened parts. Poor coolant management is a leading root cause of surface burn on hardened aerospace and medical device parts.

Setup + first-article inspection + AS9100 / ISO 13485 / IATF 16949 quality-system compliance

First-article inspection per AS9102 (aerospace) or per the customer's PPAP submission (automotive IATF 16949) — 100% dimensional check of the first piece, documentation of measurement method, and sign-off before production release. Traceability of raw material lot, wheel serial number, coolant batch, and operator to each finished part for medical device and aerospace parts. Non-conformance handling per ISO 9001 8.7 (Control of Nonconforming Outputs); FAA / FDA / customer notification for suspect / counterfeit / non-conforming parts (especially critical safety items).

Wheel balancing + machine leveling + spindle health monitoring

Wheel balancing on the machine with an on-board balancer (Marposs Balance System, SBS Balancer) or bench balancer (Schmitt Balance); unbalanced wheels cause chatter, out-of-round parts, and premature spindle bearing wear. Machine leveling with precision level (Wyler, Mitutoyo) on quarterly / semiannual cadence for high-precision grinders. Spindle vibration monitoring with accelerometer for predictive maintenance; runout measurement on the spindle nose with a precision indicator. Sr Setup Operators own the preventive-maintenance schedule and the machine-health metrics on their assigned cell.

Lapping + polishing + superfinishing operations (Speedfam, Peter Wolters, Supfina, Rösler)

Flat lapping on Speedfam or Peter Wolters double-side lap for parallel-and-flat requirements at Ra 1-4 microinches. Cylindrical superfinishing on Supfina for automotive powertrain (crankshafts, camshafts, bearing races) at Ra 1-3 microinches. Vibratory finishing on Rösler / Sweco for burr removal and cosmetic finishing; media selection (ceramic, plastic, steel) by workpiece material and finish target. Buffing / polishing operations for cosmetic finish on medical device implants (titanium, cobalt-chrome, stainless) and mold surfaces (P20, H13 tool steel). These are lower-volume but higher-skill operations that command a premium at aerospace / medical device shops.

How to Become a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic

1
Complete high school + a machine trades / precision manufacturing program or an apprenticeship
Baseline is high school diploma or GED plus a machine trades / precision manufacturing certificate from a community college or technical school (typically 18-24 months, $6-14k tuition) or a registered apprenticeship through the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA), the Precision Machined Products Association (PMPA), or a state Department of Labor apprenticeship registry. Registered apprenticeships (typically 4 years, ~8,000 hours OJT + 576+ classroom hours) are the fastest path to a journeyman-level Setup Operator role and are paid throughout — starting apprentice wages typically $17-24/hr progressing to $28-38/hr at journeyman completion.
2
Start as a Grinder Operator / Tender at $32-42k + shift differential + healthcare + 401(k) match
First seat is typically tending 1-3 CNC grinders on a night shift or weekend shift — loading and unloading parts, checking parts against the go/no-go gauge or checking with a snap gauge / micrometer per the setup card, replacing worn wheels, dressing wheels per the setup card, escalating out-of-spec parts to the Sr Setup Operator or Lead. This is the training-ground seat where you learn wheel selection, machine controls, and drawing interpretation. Typical 12-24 month tenure before promotion to Setup Operator.
3
Complete NIMS Machining Level I (Measurement, Materials, and Safety) + NIMS Machining Level II Grinding certification
NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills) certifications are the national industry credential for precision manufacturing. NIMS Machining Level I Measurement, Materials, and Safety is the baseline; NIMS Machining Level II Grinding (Surface Grinding, Cylindrical Grinding, or CNC Grinding) is the credential that unlocks the Setup Operator promotion at most aerospace / medical device shops. NIMS is competency-based — a written knowledge test plus a hands-on performance test on real machines. Employer-sponsored or self-paid at $150-350 per credential.
4
Move into a Setup + Operator role at $42-58k + shift differential + healthcare + 401(k) match
Second promotion. Ownership of setup on 2-4 CNC grinders — wheel selection, dressing, part fixturing, program load, first-article inspection, adjustments to hold tolerance across a run. Fluency in reading engineering drawings with GD&T, using a CMM or precision hand instruments for measurement, and applying SPC to monitor drift. NIMS Machining Level II Grinding + AS9100 / ISO 13485 / IATF 16949 awareness required at aerospace and medical device shops.
5
Log 4-7 years and move into Sr Setup Operator / Lead / CNC Grinder Programmer at $55-75k+
Third promotion. Ownership of a cell of 4-8 CNC grinders with 2-4 operators reporting; process improvement responsibility (reduce cycle time, extend wheel life, reduce scrap); CNC program development and debugging on Studer StuderWIN, ANCA ToolRoom, Walter Helitronic Tool Studio, or the equivalent for the machine platform. Lead the first-article inspection process for new part numbers and coordinate with Manufacturing Engineering on process capability. NIMS Machining Level III + specialty coursework (Fanuc / Siemens programming) required at this rung.
6
Advance to CNC Grinder Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer track (with additional coursework) or Cell Lead / Supervisor at $75-115k+
Fourth promotion. Two tracks: (a) Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer track — deep CNC programming and process engineering focus; typically requires an AAS in Manufacturing Engineering Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology (often company-subsidized via Section 127 + employer top-up); at aerospace and medical device shops this seat pays $85-115k. (b) Cell Lead / Grinding Supervisor / Precision Manufacturing Supervisor track — supervisory focus over 8-25 operators + programmers; typically requires supervisor-training coursework; pays $75-105k at commercial shops, $95-125k at aerospace / medical device shops.

Career Progression

Grinder Operator / Tender

0-2 yrs$32-42k + shift differential ($1-4/hr 2nd shift, $2-5/hr 3rd shift) + healthcare + 401(k) match at aerospace / medical device shops; commercial job-shop $28-38k + limited benefits

•Load and unload parts on 1-3 CNC grinders per the setup card and the operator instruction sheet
•Check parts against go/no-go gauges, snap gauges, and precision hand instruments (0-1 in / 0-6 in micrometers, indicator gauges) at the frequency specified on the setup card
•Dress wheels per the setup card cadence; replace worn wheels when signaled by the setup card or by dimensional drift
•Escalate out-of-spec parts to the Sr Setup Operator or Lead per the shop's non-conformance procedure

Next: Setup Operator at 1-3 years with NIMS Machining Level I + Level II Grinding.

Setup + Operator

2-6 yrs$42-58k + shift differential + healthcare + 401(k) match at aerospace / medical device shops; commercial job-shop $38-52k + limited benefits

•Own setup on 2-4 CNC grinders — wheel selection, dressing, fixturing, program load, first-article inspection
•Read engineering drawings with GD&T and surface finish callouts; verify part conformance to drawing on setup and at production sampling cadence
•Adjust wheel offsets, dress compensation, and coolant concentration to hold tolerance across a production run
•Complete AS9102 first-article inspection reports (aerospace) or PPAP inspection reports (automotive) per the shop's quality system

Next: Sr Setup Operator / Lead at 5-9 years with NIMS Machining Level III + demonstrated cell-level ownership.

Sr Setup Operator / Lead / CNC Grinder Programmer

5-10 yrs$55-75k + shift differential + healthcare + 401(k) match at aerospace / medical device shops; commercial job-shop $50-68k + limited benefits

•Own a cell of 4-8 CNC grinders with 2-4 operators reporting
•Develop and debug CNC grinder programs on Studer StuderWIN, ANCA ToolRoom, Walter Helitronic Tool Studio, or the platform-specific programming environment
•Lead the first-article inspection process for new part numbers and coordinate with Manufacturing Engineering on process capability
•Own the cell's preventive maintenance schedule, wheel inventory, coolant monitoring, and SPC dashboard

Next: Manufacturing Engineer / Cell Lead / Supervisor at 8-14 years.

Manufacturing Engineer (Grinding) / Cell Lead / Grinding Supervisor

8-15 yrs$75-115k + healthcare + 401(k) match at aerospace / medical device shops; commercial $70-95k

•Own the process engineering for a grinding department or cell (10-25 CNC grinders, 8-20 operators + programmers) at an aerospace / medical device / automotive OEM or tier-1 supplier
•Own new-part process development — wheel selection, program development, fixture design, cycle-time targets, capability studies
•Own the department's PPAP / AS9102 / DHR (Device History Record) documentation for new parts and process changes
•Represent the department in supplier audits (AS9100, ISO 13485, IATF 16949) and customer source inspections

Next: Manufacturing Engineering Manager / Grinding Department Manager at 15-22 years.

Manufacturing Engineering Manager / Grinding Department Manager / Plant Manager (Precision Machining)

15+ yrs$105-165k+ base + 8-15% bonus + healthcare + 401(k) match + limited equity at aerospace / medical device OEMs; commercial job-shop $95-135k

•Own the grinding department or a precision-machining plant (30-100+ operators + programmers + engineers)
•Own P&L for the department or plant — labor, materials, wheels, coolant, capital equipment, tooling
•Own capital planning for new CNC grinders ($350k-2.5M+ per machine) and cell-level automation (robot loading, in-process gauging integration)
•Represent the plant in customer audits, industry conferences (Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, NTMA, PMPA), and OEM supplier reviews

Interview Questions & Answers

5 free questions below. Career Kit unlocks 13 total plus resume bullets for every level.

Q1. Walk me through a setup you did on a cylindrical grinder for a tight-tolerance aerospace part.technical

Structured with machine, part, and process specifics. Example: 'Setup on a Studer S33 CNC cylindrical grinder for a Pratt & Whitney turbine engine bearing race with an OD of 1.7500 +0.0000 / -0.0002 in and a surface finish of Ra 4 microinches per drawing. Material was M50 tool steel hardened to HRC 62. Setup sequence: (1) Reviewed the AS9102 first-article inspection sheet and the setup card; verified the wheel spec was correct (CBN 100-grit resinoid bond, 20-inch OD wheel, spec on the setup card matched the wheel PO). (2) Mounted the wheel with a torque-wrench-verified flange assembly; verified wheel balance on the Marposs Balance System to under 0.3 μm at grinding speed of 45 m/s. (3) Trued the wheel with the rotary diamond dresser per the StuderWIN dressing macro. (4) Loaded the fixture — a custom collet chuck with an air-actuated centerless setup for OD grinding at 1.7500. (5) Loaded the CNC program; verified the finish infeed rate of 0.0002 in per pass with a 3-second sparkout dwell; verified the Marposs in-process gauge was zeroed to the target OD. (6) Ran the first piece with the Marposs in-process gauge in monitoring mode (not auto-correcting) to verify the program before enabling closed-loop size control. (7) First piece measured on the CMM (Zeiss PRISMO) and on the Talyrond for cylindricity — OD came out at 1.74995 with Ra 3.8 microinches and cylindricity of 0.0001 in. Documented on the AS9102 first-article inspection sheet; got the Sr Manufacturing Engineer's signature; released to production with a sampling cadence of every 10th part on the CMM.' Interviewers want machine + part + process specifics with quantitative outputs, plus AS9102 / PPAP / DHR quality system fluency.

Q2. Describe how you'd diagnose a surface finish rejection on a cylindrical grinder.case

Structured diagnosis. (1) Confirm the finding — re-measure the surface finish with a calibrated surface finish gauge (Mahr MarSurf, Mitutoyo Surftest); confirm the reading is on the correct feature and with the correct filter (typically 0.8 mm cutoff for Ra 8-32 microinches). (2) Identify the pattern — is the surface finish (a) too rough overall, (b) chatter marks (regular pattern from wheel imbalance or spindle vibration), (c) burn marks (thermal damage from insufficient coolant or excessive infeed), (d) scratches from wheel loading, or (e) waviness from wheel form breakdown? Each has a distinct root cause. (3) Wheel — is the wheel dressed correctly? Is the wheel loading (metal chips embedded in the wheel face)? Is the wheel grade too soft or too hard for the material? Is the wheel worn out (past the useful life for the specified tolerance)? (4) Machine — is the wheel balanced? Is the spindle runout within spec? Is the workhead / tailstock alignment correct? Are the ways clean and lubricated? (5) Coolant — is the concentration correct (refractometer check)? Is the pH correct (8.8-9.4 for most emulsions)? Is the coolant flow directed correctly at the wheel-workpiece contact zone? Is there tramp oil contamination? (6) Program — is the infeed rate too aggressive? Is the sparkout dwell too short? Is the wheel speed correct for the operation? (7) Fixture — is the part running true? Is there any deflection under grinding force? (8) Escalate to the Sr Setup Operator or Manufacturing Engineer for structural issues (wheel spec change, program change) but resolve wheel dressing / coolant / minor fixture issues at the setup level. Interviewers screen for structured root-cause analysis rather than 'let me just adjust the infeed and try again.'

Q3. Describe a difficult part or process improvement you owned as a Sr Setup Operator.behavioral

STAR. Situation: Sr Setup Operator on a cell of 6 Studer S33 CNC cylindrical grinders at a tier-1 aerospace supplier producing turbine engine bearing races for Pratt & Whitney PW1000G. Baseline cycle time on a specific bearing race part number was 4 min 42 sec with a wheel life of 385 parts before dress; scrap rate was 2.8% (surface finish + cylindricity rejects). Task: reduce cycle time and improve scrap rate to hit the Sr Manufacturing Engineer's FY24 cost-reduction target of 15% on the cell. Action: (1) Ran a wheel-life-vs-infeed-rate DOE (Design of Experiments) with 3 infeed rates (baseline 0.00025 in/pass, faster 0.00035 in/pass, slower 0.00020 in/pass) and 2 sparkout dwells (baseline 3 sec, extended 5 sec); measured cycle time, wheel life, and surface finish on the CMM at each combination. (2) Coordinated with Manufacturing Engineering to verify all combinations remained within the AS9102 first-article-inspection acceptance criteria. (3) Identified the optimal combination — 0.00030 in/pass finish infeed with a 4-sec sparkout — that reduced cycle time by 12% and extended wheel life to 465 parts (21% improvement). (4) Investigated the scrap rate root cause — 68% of the rejects were traced to wheel dressing frequency drift (dressing was happening every 45 parts by cell habit vs the program's every-38-parts spec); updated the operator training and added an SPC control chart on the operator console tracking dresser cycles per shift. (5) Deployed the new process to all 6 machines in the cell with a 2-week validation window on Machine 1 before rollout to Machines 2-6. Result: cycle time reduced from 4:42 to 4:08 (12% improvement); wheel life from 385 to 465 parts (21% improvement); scrap rate reduced from 2.8% to 0.9% (68% improvement); annualized savings $185k on the cell. Represented the improvement in the plant's monthly manufacturing engineering review. Interviewers screen for structured DOE approach, AS9102 discipline, cross-functional coordination with Manufacturing Engineering, and quantitative outcome.

Q4. Why precision grinding instead of general CNC machining or manual lathe / mill?culture

Honest answer that resonates. 'Precision grinding is the finishing operation — the operation that hits the tight tolerance and the fine surface finish that the drawing calls out and that the customer can't compromise on. On an aerospace bearing race or a medical device implant, the tolerance is 0.0001-0.0005 in on the ID and OD, and the surface finish is Ra 2-8 microinches. Nothing else in the shop hits those numbers except a well-set-up grinder with a well-dressed wheel and a well-monitored coolant. The pay is real — Sr Setup Operator at an aerospace or medical device shop clears $55-72k + shift differential + full benefits, and CNC Grinder Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer track clears $85-115k with an AAS. But the honest reason is that grinding is the operation where the operator's setup and process discipline matters most — a CNC lathe or mill is largely programmed and repeatable; a grinder has to be watched. I like the seat where the human still has to make the call.' Interviewers screen for candidates who chose the seat, not settled for it.

Q5. Where do you see your career in 5 years?closer

Show the fork clearly. Two tracks — (a) IC / programmer track (Sr Setup Operator → CNC Grinder Programmer → Manufacturing Engineer Grinding, $65-115k+); (b) Supervisory track (Sr Setup Operator → Cell Lead → Grinding Supervisor → Department Manager, $75-135k+). I'm on the IC / programmer track — I've been a Setup Operator for 4 years at [current employer], I've completed NIMS Machining Level II Grinding, I'm 60% through NIMS Level III, and I'd like to move into a Sr Setup Operator / Lead role within 18-24 months. Specifically: complete NIMS Level III + Studer StuderWIN advanced programming coursework; take ownership of the cell's SPC dashboard and preventive maintenance schedule; interview into a Sr Setup Operator seat at an AS9100 aerospace or ISO 13485 medical device shop at $60-72k + shift differential; be positioned for CNC Grinder Programmer consideration at year 6-8; complete AAS in Manufacturing Engineering Technology via Section 127 tuition subsidy over years 4-6 to open the Manufacturing Engineer track. If your shop has a documented Sr Setup Operator to CNC Grinder Programmer promotion cadence with tuition support, that's the trajectory.

Resume Template — Setup + Operator (2-6 yrs)

Copy these bullets into your resume as a starting point. Career Kit includes bullets for every level of the ladder.

Setup + Operator (2-6 yrs)

▸Setup + Operator on 3 Studer S33 CNC cylindrical grinders at a tier-1 aerospace supplier producing turbine engine bearing races (M50 tool steel, HRC 62) for Pratt & Whitney PW1000G; parts held to 1.7500 +0.0000/-0.0002 in OD and Ra 4 microinches surface finish per drawing.
▸Reduced scrap rate on assigned parts from 2.8% to 0.9% (68% reduction) through documented wheel-dressing cadence adjustment and SPC-driven operator training.
▸Completed AS9102 first-article inspection on 24 new part numbers in FY24 with zero customer-source-inspection findings; recognized as the cell's first-choice setup lead by the Sr Manufacturing Engineer.
▸NIMS Machining Level I + Level II Grinding (Cylindrical + CNC Grinding). AS9100 quality system familiar; on track for NIMS Level III in FY25. $54k base + $3/hr 2nd shift diff + healthcare + 401(k) match + tuition subsidy.

What Gets You Rejected

✗Cannot read a GD&T drawing with datums, feature control frames, and surface finish callouts — foundational; failing this at the interview is disqualifying.
✗Weak measurement hand-skills — cannot demonstrate correct use of a 0-1 in micrometer, indicator gauge, or bore gauge on a demonstration part.
✗Cannot articulate a wheel selection tradeoff (grit / grade / bond / abrasive) for a specific material and operation — reveals the candidate has been a Tender, not a Setup Operator.
✗No NIMS Machining certification at a Setup Operator or Sr Setup Operator interview — signals the candidate has not done the credentialing work that aerospace / medical device shops use for pay-band placement.
✗History of scrap or non-conformance without documented root-cause analysis — aerospace and medical device shops routinely reference-check for this, and a candidate who blames the machine or the operator without owning the process is a poor cultural fit.
✗Weak SPC / basic-stats fluency — cannot articulate Cp / Cpk targets or the difference between a variable and attribute control chart; SPC is table stakes at aerospace / medical device / automotive OEM shops.
✗Refuses shift work, rotating shifts, or Saturday overtime — most precision grinding shops run 2 or 3 shifts; a candidate who wants strict M-F day-shift is a poor fit unless applying for the Manufacturing Engineer track.

Salary Negotiation Levers

✓Aerospace / medical device shop premium — AS9100 aerospace and ISO 13485 medical device shops pay 25-45% above equivalent commercial job-shop seats for the same NIMS-certified operator + full healthcare + 401(k) match + tuition subsidy.
✓NIMS Machining Level II / III / IV certifications add $2-8/hr at aerospace and medical device shops; NIMS-certified operators are the target hire pool at AS9100 / ISO 13485 shops.
✓Shift differential — 2nd shift +$1-4/hr, 3rd shift +$2-5/hr; weekend shift +$1-3/hr; on-call rotation +$50-150/on-call shift + hourly if called in. Full-time night-shift Setup Operators earn 8-15% above equivalent day-shift.
✓Machine platform specialty — Studer / Danobat / ANCA / Walter Helitronic specialty adds $3-8/hr at aerospace / medical device shops; tool-and-cutter grinder specialty (ANCA + Walter + Rollomatic) adds $4-10/hr at cutting-tool manufacturers.
✓Metro premium — high-cost metros (Bay Area, LA, NYC, Boston, Seattle) precision-grinding wages run 15-25% above US median; low-cost metros in the Midwest, Southeast, and Great Plains are frequently at or below US median but with lower cost of living.
✓Sign-on bonus — aerospace and medical device shops routinely offer $3-15k sign-on for NIMS-certified Setup Operators in high-demand geographies; commercial job shops rarely offer sign-on.
✓Tuition subsidy — Section 127 caps at $5,250/yr federal tax-free; aerospace and medical device employers routinely top this up for AAS Manufacturing Engineering Technology or MET / Precision Manufacturing bachelor's degree. Negotiate this alongside base if the CNC Grinder Programmer / Manufacturing Engineer track is your target.
✓Union premium — some precision-machining plants are IAM (International Association of Machinists) or UAW represented; union scale on Setup Operator wages runs 5-15% above non-union with better healthcare + pension. Boeing, GE Aerospace, and some tier-1 automotive supplier plants are IAM / UAW represented.

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Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary by State

Best Cities (cost-adjusted) →

Salary Map — Click a state for details

$38K

$57K■ No data

Top Paying States

Vertical line = national median. Click a state for full details.

State	Median	vs. National	Employment
Oregon	$57,290	+23.1%	1,180
Minnesota	$51,780	+11.2%	1,400
Massachusetts	$50,910	+9.4%	2,420
Vermont	$50,640	+8.8%	300
West Virginia	$49,950	+7.3%	200
Washington	$49,300	+5.9%	1,870
New York	$49,290	+5.9%	2,410
Kentucky	$49,160	+5.6%	850
Connecticut	$48,590	+4.4%	1,530
Nebraska	$48,500	+4.2%	300

Showing 1–10 of 48

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary by Metro Area

Metro Area	Median	vs. National
Canton-Massillon, OH	$67,210	+44.4%
Bend, OR	$60,180	+29.3%
Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI	$59,750	+28.4%
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA	$58,680	+26.1%
Utica-Rome, NY	$57,420	+23.4%
St. Cloud, MN	$57,110	+22.7%
Sandusky, OH	$56,670	+21.7%
Rochester, MN	$55,990	+20.3%
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH	$55,590	+19.4%
Spartanburg, SC	$55,080	+18.3%

Showing 1–10 of 185

Data Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Data reflects the most recent annual survey.

How does this compare to pro athletes?

A grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic earning $46,550/year would need 1280 years to match Stephen Curry's NBA salary, or 1375 yearsto match Patrick Mahomes' NFL contract.

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📈 See how grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salaries have changed over the past decade.

View Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary trend (2011–2024) →