Careers · Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners · California
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners in California
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. In California the median pay is $51,300 a year, 2% above the national median of $50,060.
$51,300median pay in California, per year
$43,710–$61,520middle half earn
620employed in California
$50,060U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringMonitoringEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingCritical ThinkingEquipment Selection
Knowledge areas
Mathematics (knowledge)MechanicalProduction and ProcessingEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyEducation and Training
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners.
Licenses and training in California
Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners pay in other states
Washington · $75,190Oregon · $60,760Idaho · $59,250Ohio · $56,690Massachusetts · $56,600Louisiana · $56,380Mississippi · $55,510Kansas · $54,100Missouri · $52,540Minnesota · $51,990
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Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against tool grinders, filers, and sharpeners and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
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. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, California, annual.