Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic Salary (2025)
Based on 67,000 employed workers · BLS OEWS May 2025
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual |
|---|---|
10th Percentile Bottom 10% | $36,110 |
25th Percentile Lower quarter | $39,390 |
50th PercentileMedian Median | $46,550 |
75th Percentile Upper quarter | $54,290 |
90th Percentile Top 10% | $62,600 |
Salary Distribution
Annual Salary Range
10th
$36K
25th
$39K
Median
$47K
75th
$54K
90th
$63K
Highest Paying States for Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
States with highest average wages · BLS May 2025
| State | Annual Mean |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $58,530 |
| Minnesota | $56,470 |
| Massachusetts | $54,320 |
| Vermont | $54,310 |
| Washington | $53,290 |
| New York | $52,640 |
| Kentucky | $51,730 |
| North Dakota | $51,360 |
| Missouri | $50,700 |
| South Carolina | $49,970 |
Geographic Salary Variation
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salaries vary significantly across the United States. The highest paying state is Oregon at an average of $58,530 per year, while South Carolina has an average of $49,970 — a difference of $8,560. These geographic differences reflect variations in cost of living, demand, and local labor market conditions.
Highest Paying Metro Areas
Top cities by average annual wage
About Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 67,000 workers were employed as Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastics in the United States as of May 2025. This occupation is classified under Production Occupations. The annual mean wage of $48,170 reflects data from employer surveys conducted by BLS.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC Code: 51-4033