Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
Tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners use precision equipment and hand tools to smooth, sharpen, polish, and grind metal objects to exact specifications. They work in manufacturing facilities, tool shops, machine shops, and maintenance departments, ensuring that tools and metal parts meet required tolerances and performance standards.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves operating grinding machines, files, and sharpening equipment to refine metal surfaces and edges. Workers inspect parts for defects, measure dimensions with precision instruments, and adjust equipment settings to meet specifications. Tasks include removing burrs from machined parts, sharpening drill bits and cutting tools, and polishing finished metal pieces. Most work occurs at a workbench or station with specialized machinery.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy working with your hands on concrete, measurable tasks and prefer structured procedures and clear standards. You tend to be detail-oriented, comfortable following established methods, and satisfied by seeing tangible results from your work with tools and machinery.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $61,270 | $75,190 | $84,210 | 410 |
| Oregon | $50,070 | $60,760 | $75,450 | 430 |
| Idaho | $50,200 | $59,250 | $75,270 | 100 |
| Ohio | $48,580 | $56,690 | $68,360 | 190 |
| Massachusetts | $49,430 | $56,600 | $56,600 | 40 |
| Louisiana | $46,890 | $56,380 | $60,610 | 40 |
| Mississippi | $41,870 | $55,510 | $60,130 | 50 |
| Kansas | $54,050 | $54,100 | $55,130 | — |
| Missouri | $51,310 | $52,540 | $61,550 | 150 |
| Minnesota | $39,220 | $51,990 | $62,820 | 90 |
| Iowa | $45,120 | $51,760 | $71,560 | 60 |
| California | $43,710 | $51,300 | $61,520 | 620 |
All 35 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 51-4194.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.