Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Alabama

In Alabama, the median pay for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic is $18.35 an hour ($38,170 a year). About 1,500 people work in this job there.

$18.35Median hourly pay
$33,700–$46,610Middle half of workers, yearly
1,500People in this job in Alabama

That is 18% lower than the U.S. median ($46,550). Alabama ranks 47th of 48 states and territories for this job’s median pay.

Pay range for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic in Alabama

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$14.10$29,340
25% of workers$16.20$33,700
Half of workers (median)$18.35$38,170
75% of workers$22.41$46,610
90% of workers$27.01$56,180

Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic pay in Alabama metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Anniston-Oxford$39,080110
Mobile$38,90040
Montgomery$38,79070
Huntsville$36,520200
Birmingham$36,180400

Alabama unemployment rate: 3.4% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: 3 to 6 months (O*NET)
  • Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: -10.8% over ten years, declining · about 4,500 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in Alabama

JobMedian yearly pay
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43,830
Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$36,750
Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$53,380
Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43,800
Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$51,920
Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$39,740
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$48,490
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$39,010

Other job titles for this job

GrinderAutomatic Grinder OperatorBench GrinderBillet GrinderBit GrinderBlade GrinderBrass BufferBuffererBuffing Line Set Up WorkerBuffing Machine OperatorBuffing Machine TenderCell Operator

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.