# Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand

> Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 51-9022.00
- **Summary:** Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.

## Aliases

- Chipper
- Finisher
- Grinder
- Polisher
- Buffer
- Casting Finisher
- Jewelry Polisher
- Knife Grinder
- Metal Finisher
- Stand Grinder
- Aircraft Skin Burnisher
- Balance Wheel Arm Burnisher

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Verify quality of finished workpieces by inspecting them, comparing them to templates, measuring their dimensions, or testing them in working machinery. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.j |
| Grind, sand, clean, or polish objects or parts to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.h |
| Measure and mark equipment, objects, or parts to ensure grinding and polishing standards are met. | Core | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Trim, scrape, or deburr objects or parts, using chisels, scrapers, and other hand tools and equipment. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Mark defects, such as knotholes, cracks, and splits, for repair. | Core | 4.A.1.b.1.a |
| Study blueprints or layouts to determine how to lay out workpieces or saw out templates. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Move controls to adjust, start, or stop equipment during grinding and polishing processes. | Core | 4.A.3.a.3.l |
| Remove completed workpieces from equipment or work tables, using hand tools, and place workpieces in containers. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.2.an |
| Load and adjust workpieces onto equipment or work tables, using hand tools. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Repair and maintain equipment, objects, or parts, using hand tools. | Core | 4.A.3.b.4.c |
| Select files or other abrasives, according to materials, sizes and shapes of workpieces, amount of stock to be removed, finishes specified, and steps in finishing processes. | Core | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Record product and processing data on specified forms. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.b.6.h |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Clean workpieces or finished products. | 4.A.3.a.1.h |
| Polish materials, workpieces, or finished products. | 4.A.3.a.2.o |
| Smooth metal surfaces or edges. | 4.A.3.a.2.o |
| Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information. | 4.A.1.b.1.a |
| Operate grinding equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.l |
| Select production equipment according to product specifications. | 4.A.2.b.1.j |
| Measure materials to mark reference points, cutting lines, or other indicators. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Compare physical characteristics of materials or products to specifications or standards. | 4.A.1.b.2.j |
| Measure dimensions of completed products or workpieces to verify conformance to specifications. | 4.A.1.b.3.a |
| Record operational or production data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Trim excess material from workpieces. | 4.A.3.a.2.l |
| Remove products or workpieces from production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.an |
| Load materials into production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.f |
| Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.f |
| Move products, materials, or equipment between work areas. | 4.A.3.a.1.j |
| Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences. | 4.A.1.a.1.b |
| Apply solutions to production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.ag |
| Repair production equipment or tools. | 4.A.3.b.4.c |
| Maintain production or processing equipment. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Sharpen cutting or grinding tools. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Reshape metal workpieces to established specifications. | 4.A.3.a.2.g |
| Clean production equipment. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 4 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.75 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.75 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.75 |
| Production and Processing | knowledge | 3.65 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.63 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.62 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.25 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.13 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.12 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.12 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.12 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.12 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.12 |
| Repairing | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3 |
| Category Flexibility | ability | 3 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3 |
| Visualization | ability | 3 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3 |
| Trunk Strength | ability | 3 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 2.88 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 2.88 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 2.88 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 2.88 |
| Static Strength | ability | 2.88 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 2.88 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 2.88 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 2.76 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 2.75 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 2.75 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.83 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.83 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.83 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.64 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.53 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.48 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.21 |
| Time Pressure | 4.05 |
| Contact With Others | 3.92 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.91 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.86 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 3.78 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 3.68 |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | 3.58 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.57 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.49 |
| Physical Proximity | 3.47 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.47 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.43 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.25 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.16 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.13 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 3.1 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 3.04 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 2.9 |
| Telephone Conversations | 2.67 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 2.56 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 2.53 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.49 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 2.38 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 2.36 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.32 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 2.32 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 2.29 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 2.23 |
| Degree of Automation | 2.18 |
| Level of Competition | 2.07 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 2.04 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 2.03 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 1.99 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 37.33 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 26.74 |
| Some College Courses | 11.9 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 5.97 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 3.75 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.25 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.41 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 2.03 |
| Dependability | work_style | 2.01 |
| Artistic | career_interest_type | 2 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 1.66 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 1.51 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 1.44 |
| Applied Arts and Design | specific_interest_area | 1.41 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 1.3 |
| Visual Arts | specific_interest_area | 1.23 |
| Physical Science | specific_interest_area | 1.1 |
| Social | career_interest_type | 1.07 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 51-4033.00 | role-51-4033-00 | Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-4194.00 | role-51-4194-00 | Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners | Primary-Short |
| 51-7042.00 | role-51-7042-00 | Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | Primary-Short |
| 51-9032.00 | role-51-9032-00 | Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Short |
| 51-9195.00 | role-51-9195-00 | Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | Primary-Short |
| 51-4031.00 | role-51-4031-00 | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-4034.00 | role-51-4034-00 | Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-4111.00 | role-51-4111-00 | Tool and Die Makers | Primary-Long |
| 51-4035.00 | role-51-4035-00 | Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Primary-Long |
| 51-9021.00 | role-51-9021-00 | Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | Primary-Long |
| 53-7063.00 | role-53-7063-00 | Machine Feeders and Offbearers | Supplemental |
| 51-4023.00 | role-51-4023-00 | Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Advanced Manufacturing | advanced-manufacturing |

## Education Level

- **Category:** No formal educational credential

## Study Programs


## Market

- **Median Wage:** 41690
- **Mean Wage:** 43550
- **Pct10Wage:** 32120
- **Pct25Wage:** 36660
- **Pct75Wage:** 48410
- **Pct90Wage:** 57250
- **Employment:** 11850
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 10010 | 41710 | 10.21 |
| 339910 | 339910 | Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing | National industry | 940 | 39420 | 614 |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry | 750 | 46020 | 37.57 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 470 | 45160 | 1.38 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 440 | 36920 | 0.63 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 360 | 36510 | 1.77 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 350 | 41480 | 0.75 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 250 | 46640 | 0.4 |
| 44-45 | 44-45 | Retail Trade | Sector | 90 | 39870 |  |
| 238140 | 238140 | Masonry Contractors | National industry | 50 | 35210 |  |
| 55 | 55 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | Sector |  | 44070 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 339910 | 339910 | Jewelry and Silverware Manufacturing | National industry | 940 | 614 |
| 332710 | 332710 | Machine Shops | National industry | 750 | 37.57 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 10010 | 10.21 |
| 561320 | 561320 | Temporary Help Services | National industry | 360 | 1.77 |
| 81 | 81 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | Sector | 470 | 1.38 |
| 42 | 42 | Wholesale Trade | Sector | 350 | 0.75 |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 440 | 0.63 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 250 | 0.4 |
- **Count:** 11

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.97 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.146524 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.7962199 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.219517 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 14
- **Percentile:** 10
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 13 | felten_aioe |
| 6 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 24 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.146524 | 13 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.03571428571428571 | 6 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.08445191842187973 | 24 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.97
- **Percentile:** 94
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.03571428571428571
- **Beta:** 0.03571428571428571
- **Gamma:** 0.03571428571428571

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** -21.2
- **Growth Percentile:** 1
- **Direction:** Declining
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.8
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 12
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 11.8
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 9.3

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 17
- **Skills:** 33
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 2
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** b3892fd3f27361c4