What Tool Grinder & Sharpeners DoPerform precision smoothing, sharpening, polishing, or grinding of metal objects.
- Monitor machine operations to determine whether adjustments are necessary, stopping machines when problems occur.
- Inspect, feel, and measure workpieces to ensure that surfaces and dimensions meet specifications.
- Study blueprints or layouts of metal workpieces to determine grinding procedures, and to plan machine setups and operational sequences.
- Select and mount grinding wheels on machines, according to specifications, using hand tools and applying knowledge of abrasives and grinding procedures.
- Compute numbers, widths, and angles of cutting tools, micrometers, scales, and gauges, and adjust tools to produce specified cuts.
Tool Grinder & Sharpeners Education, Salary, and GrowthOnly you can decide how much you need to earn — but knowing what it actually costs to live in your area can help. The Family Budget Calculator can guide you.
Minimum EducationHigh School Diploma or GED
Career ProspectsRisky (Decreasing by 5% or more)
Training Time6 months to 1 year
Job Openings500 Annually
Median Earnings
$50,060 in California
$48,970 Nationally
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Is This Career Right For You?
YOU Like
- Using data or completing tasks
- Working with my hands
you value
- Having support
- Having freedom
- Job security
you are skilled in
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Time Management
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Reading Comprehension
Go Deeper: Tool Grinder & Sharpeners Explained

Tool Grinder & SharpenerExplore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.
How Do You Train for This Career?
Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Vocational SchoolA vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.
🎓 Skills-Focused
⏱️ Finish in 6 months - 2 years

Associate's DegreeAn associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 2-3 years

Bachelor's DegreeA bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.
🎓 College
⏱️ Finish in 4-5+ years
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