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Supply Chain & ProductionDeclining

Grinding and Polishing Worker, Hand

Operational-level

Also known as: Aircraft Skin Burnisher, Balance Wheel Arm Burnisher, Balance Wheel Hand Filer, Barrel Finisher

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Grinding and Polishing Worker, Hand, you use hand tools and handheld power tools to smooth, shape, or finish objects made of metal, wood, stone, glass, or plastic. You carefully remove rough spots, marks, or excess material to achieve a precise surface. This role requires close attention to detail and strong hand-eye coordination. You'll often work in environments with noise, dust, and machinery, so wearing safety gear like glasses and gloves is essential. You'll also communicate with team members about project needs and quality standards.
Material FinishingPrecision GrindingSurface FinishingMetalworkingManufacturingSkilled TradesIndustrial TechnologyEngineeringProductionEnergy

A Day in the Life

You step into the fabrication shop, the scent of metal and oil already filling the air. First, you head to your locker to don your essential safety gear: steel-toe boots, heavy-duty gloves, impact-resistant safety glasses, and earplugs. The grinding bays are starting to hum with activity. You check the digital work order on a wall-mounted screen for today's priorities – a batch of freshly welded stainless steel brackets needing their seams smoothed down. Your workstation is ready, waiting for you to select the right tools for the job.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-19.2%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

700

per year (US)

Jobs today

10,800

in 2025 → 8,700 (2035)

Typical entry education

No formal educational credential

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
Low
Working outdoors
Moderate
Indoor, climate-controlled
Moderate
Dealing with customers
Low
Level of competition
Low

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The outlook for this career is declining, with a projected employment change of -19.2% through 2035. About 700 job openings are expected each year in the U.S. The median annual wage for this role is $42,660. You can typically start as a General Laborer and advance to roles like Quality Control Inspector or Machine Operator by gaining experience and developing specialized skills.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • General Laborer
  • Manufacturing Assistant
  • Apprentice Finisher

Where it can lead

  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Machine Operator (Automated Grinding)
  • Production Supervisor

Impact of AI on this Job

AI and automation will increasingly impact this career. While some highly specialized or artistic finishing may remain manual, robots and advanced machinery equipped with AI vision systems could automate repetitive grinding and polishing tasks, improving precision and consistency. Workers may shift towards operating, programming, or maintaining these advanced systems rather than purely manual labor.

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Salary

$42,660

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Metallurgical Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Engine Machinist

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering

Bachelor • Tech & Engineering • 4 years

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